Applying to Y Combinator? 3 tips from a former YC partner
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- Hi, I'm Garry Tan, former Y Combinator partner, Forbes Midas List top venture capitalist and cofounder at Initialized Capital. We were earliest investors in billion dollar startups like Coinbase and Instacart. I'm doing my own run-and-gun one man TH-cam channel with no staff or crew - we're going for raw and unfiltered and high signal in order to help you with your building your world-changing startup.
In this episode I want to talk about what advice I always give to people writing their YC applications. Watch to the end you'll find a link to submit your YC app to me for comments and review. I can guarantee I'll read the first 100 responses from TH-cam, but honestly I'll try my best overall just because I really want to help.
Y Combinator changed my life and I hope it changes yours.
Please like this video and subscribe to my channel if you want to see more videos like this!
Find Garry on Twitter at / garrytan
Learn more about the companies we fund, and how we work with them at initialized.com - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
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1. Show, don't tell:
Mention any of the following.
- created something
- users using it
- if someone is actually paying
- special sauce, mention it!.
2. It needs to be big for VC to be interested:
- is there a way to show the problem is worth a billion or more?
- is there a way to get to 100 million dollars in revenue?
3. Plain english is best:
- YC uses plain english to talk.
- talk to me about the problem (like to a single person)
- talk to me about the solution plainly.
- don't say 'unbundling', hyper-verticalization etc
- a great pitch is simple statements put side by side in a string.
- when you zoom out, those simple statements stringed together
will suddenly strike you as a really big idea.
- writing style in high school: topic: beginning, middle and end.
- this is not good for YC.
- use inverted pyramid. put the conclusion at the front.
- then add proof for each claim leading to that conclusion.
random-orange thanks for doing this
Thanks
Garry this is genius. You get to help people improve their YC applications AND have a chance to jump on the investment train at the earliest stages if one catches your eye. Smart man
Gary, I came across this as I was filling out our YC application. Thank you so much for sharing in a clear and concise way, it was really helpful. I loved how you guys were so casual eating and drinking together, as that's what we are setting people up for, to solve the problem of loneliness caused by people eating alone frequently. Stay safe and well, hope to meet you one-day in-person as a YC Alumni, take care!
YourTable - Peter Chien
Thanks for being so open and willing to help!
I filled out the form but I'm already editing my application based on your advice in this video.
Great advice! And thanks for offering to review applications, I'm sure it'll make a big difference for some startup out there just getting started.
Wonderful and very simple way to help applicants to understand how to to apply. Thanks Garry.
Great advice! I’ll take this advice and apply it to my teams application to YC!
I haven’t tuned in for a while but great to be back. Love this guy!! If (when?) we need funding I’ll be mailing Gary’s team!
Thanks Gary, we are coming for you guys this winter. Mittbox it is it what you've been looking for decades.
What a straightforward , informative video. great to see you Garry!
Thanks for quality content. Your YC startup school lecture got me here.
Thanks Garry, thats a very generous giveaway and great tips! I yet to finish my application. So sorry to miss this opportunity.
Hey Garry, thankyou for making it more easy, I feel more confident while filling the application.
Insightful! Just found this video; deeply grateful
This is amazing Gary! Even though we are viewing this late and we won't get a chance to get a review from you.
Love this. Thanks for giving back, Garry.
Thanks for the helpful video Garry! Submitted our application for review!
This is awesome and timely. Thanks Garry!
This is a fantastic opportunity for folks to get Garry's help. Best wishes to those applying. Hope you get your app read by Garry and I hope you get into YC!
Thank you Gary for your clarity.
Thanks for the tips! submitted our company's application
this is truly amazing. I just submitted the application to you for review, I hope you can help, if not, thanks for the tips, keep them coming. Real value add.
Hi Tim did you get help on your YC application?
OMG!! I missed the most important video from your side Garry!! Always love your content, as you reflect what you just said - Use simple and plain English :)
Invaluable advice but missed (my bad) it before applying for 2021 .But listening to this makes us comfortable that we've articulated our proportion well.( fingers crossed).
Submitted! Thank you Garry!
Hey, Garry, I am watched this on 4/30/2024, and i might be late. But I'll still try sending my application. I applied for the YC 24 Summer batch.
This is awesome Garry - thank you. I hope we made it into the first 100. Keep up the great work.
Yup you’re good, only up to 60 now
@@GarryTan 👊🏻Awesome! You rock! Thanks Garry!
@@GarryTan a great big thanks for your feedback - greatly appreciated. All the best!
It always boggles my mind on how hard it is to write/speak using simple language. It's like unlearning everything from K-12!
Thank you for your advice. I probably submitted my app too late for your review, but I appreciate you offering your time and advice to the rest of us trying to make a difference with our startups. :)
Will be on the lookout! Thanks Regina
Garry Tan thank YOU for your generosity. We are really thankful for your time.
Superb amazing content! Lovely. Thank you for your advice.
Wow! Thank you for the tips and offer!
Awesome video. Thanks for the awesome insight!
Many thanks Garry! I came across your video not too long ago whilst finalising FaithCircle YC 2021 application.
I filled the form (I know im soo late :)), thought to try my luck.
Hopefully you'd get few minutes to take a look. Nonetheless, i'll keep every lesson learnt close to heart - God's blessings always!
Wow.. in person meetings! Such a throwback :)
Yes it was! They're all virtual these days :-D
Hi Garry, I just want to thank you for your tips. I am working on the Y Combinator applications.
Fantastic! They're the best.
Thank you so much for this Garry! I hope this channel turns into the TH-cam equivalent of PG's essays. All the videos have been gold for us at MyJeeni Health. Not sure we made the first 100, submitted 2 days ago, are you done reviewing the first 100?
Thank you for this video. I appreciate the points.
Thank you so much for the advice
Not sure if you still offer to review applications, but I've tried my luck anyways by submitting to the form as I see it's still active.
Clear, to the point and simple. That's how I summarise your video. Great message . We are from India. Do we have to register our company in USA/Cayman first before we apply for Y Combinator?
Submitted. Thanks for your willingness to help us founders.
Side note, who the hell keeps disliking your videos? Haters man... 🙃
Brian Bassard ah well, gotta keep doing my thing
You're on the right track 👌🏿
Few years late watching this. And if that wasn't enough, applying a month after the official deadline :-)
Still worth it.
Former YC partner, future YC President/CEO. This video suddenly became a lot more relevant.
Applied for the W22 batch... Wish you were reviewing applications now Garry!
Awesome stuff, thanks:)
Gary, your humility is unreal.
I know I'm late to this video, but... is your YC application review offer still on the table?
Amazing tips!! You rock 😘
Thank you so much!!
Thank you so much for doing this Garry! This is amazing! I wanted to ask you if you were you still checking out the responses on your google form? Thanks again. :)
Thanks for the info
this material is GOLDDDDD
Great video!
Thank you!
Hi Garry!I know , a couple of years late for a review but it's worth a shot so I sent you my already submitted 2021 application for a review. Fingers crossed🤞
Hope our application made it. Just sent it over
Amazing video as always.
I am 10x more motivated to work after watching garry’s videos!
Can I still send in my application for you to review by any chance?
Thanks
Your explaination just made me change my pitch to a simpler version.
Glad to hear. Simple pitches are best.
Amazing tips....
Hey Garry, awesome advice! Are you reviewing applications for YC Summer 2020?
You should update the title of this video Mr. YC's president!
Hey Garry! 👋
This video was brilliant, thank you. Looks like this video was for the previous batch... Would you still be willing to review submissions now? Just submitted our draft to your form.
Cheers!
Congratulations, you are the CEO now!
Hi Garry, we didn't see this in time and sent along our submission after the deadline just for general feedback. Any chance you'll get to additional submissions at this point? Thanks!
I need it ASAP 💯❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Garry for your great content. I was wondering if I still have a chance to get your feedback on our application?
Hi Garry, great vid. Would you possibly still be reviewing applications through the google docs link? I know it's been awhile now since this video was posted, but the link is still active and was just wondering. Thanks.
The music is 🔥
Who is watching his all videos from starting?
Thanks for the tips! Are you still reviewing YC Apps?
:o I'm too late for the giveaway. I love my idea so much! I am making final edits and going to review it again in a few days with a new mindset. Wish me luck!
I’m looking through the initialized() website but can’t seem to find anything in regards to applying? Help please 🙏
My question is on the detail we should go into while explaining the "founders' story" and the team.
Is the person reviewing my YC application interested in knowing specific details about my story, or should we keep this at a high level? and how impactful are the founder and team backgrounds/story on the overall application?
Thanks again for the great content!
Founder stories are helpful especially if you have overcome adversity. I would focus on things that are unusual or impressive. A good story matters but a concise one is better if you don’t have something novel or different.
@@GarryTan advice noted and applied. Thank you!
0:11 I have that same clock.
This video = efficient.
Does form still work now😮 going to apply for YC this month
Hi Garry, May I ask if you still answering to the presentations sent via google form?
[Laughs]
"I'm here" [from the off]
That's a powerful intro
Oh I was in a rush. I have to pay $10 to a late jar for every minute I am late.
@@GarryTan the result is worth the 20 bucks :)
Hi Gary! I came across this video because I have been binge watching all your binge-worthy videos. Are you are able to offer this for the winter 2020 applications?
Dm me
Hi Garry. Is the link still working? I am applying to YC for W23 and it would be awesome if I can get some valuable advice from you.
Hi Garry. I have 2 YC applications and both about the same company, but different application of the product since we pivoted. Can I have both in the document for your review?
Sure submit both!
Hey Are you still doing the application review? I just submitted mine just in case
Man, I'm feeling so bad for knowing you this late.
This greatly inspires usenthusiasts to think and execute cautiously the aspect of fabricating AI to real world entities which would greatly help people.
Love from India. ❤️
Hi Garry, if possible will you review my app for 2020? I just sent it to the link today. Thank you!!
But when we start telling story through pitch we miss out figures and if we focus on figures then we miss out story......all the time this is happening
Hi. Are you still reviewing applications?
damn garry, i want to really know why a tech-centric guy is going for the mechanical speedy as your daily driver? awesome drip.
Moon watch 👌
@@GarryTan do you like the new snoopy?
I hope you end being as good as you seem. "Too good to be true " doesn't seem to apply to you. You are a fucking angel.
Just trying to help!
How can I connect & chat with you garry
This offer still valid?
What if I only have an idea and yet not started , can I apply to YC with just an idea ?
Yes, but without some kind of customer validation or a complete team it isn't very high likelihood of success.
Thanks sir , well how many traction is required to get the seed investment, I'm a student and my savings are not that much. Hope u can understand.
And sir can you give me your gmail-id , I am working on B2B2C idea connecting manufacturers 2 retailers and retailers 2 customers. I want to seek your smart advice in this sector.
700+ companies, good lord.
Have you invested in biotech?
We do a lot with digital health but haven’t done straight biotech or drug discovery without a software angle.
@@GarryTan ah ok, well if you ever think of getting into the space of therapeutics and diagnostics there are numerous opportunities (especially with curative and regenerative medicines such as gene/cell therapies) and I would be the first to try and pitch ;p im applying for YC this batch for life sciences, your video still is very helpful so thank you for that and will follow your channel
Hi Gary will you have a look at my application please.
00:40 Garry was a YC partner for 5 years, worked with more than 700 companies
00:53 tip #1 - show don't tell, why is your solution required, your traction
01:57 YC looks for large market size, $1B startups
03:05 tip #2 - don't use buzzwords, use plain English
05:03 great pitches are simple statements
05:20 tip #3 - write using the inverted pyramid: conclusion at the beginning then proof
06:30 Garry is doing a giveaway - reviewing 100 YC applications
(get key takeaways from timestamp video summaries - TLDW.app your video guide)
TLDW this is so useful. Love it
Garry Tan awesome, we’re excited about tldw.app!
In other words, less is better.
You should check out vyper.io to run your giveaway. Can get people to submit applications as well as follow and share your youtube channel.
Love the YC tips!
Do you think YC is only looking for$100M+ companies? Isn't that hard to gauge from a startup only just launching?
i have messaged you in IG @me_myself_earth i have a question on my start up so you said you will check IG messages for any questions soo.
Sir can you give your mail id to contact sir plz and love and respect from India🙏
please change your music on videos. It's scary .. and depressing
SEXIEST MAN ALIVE nominee: Garry Tan!
Your passion for helping others be successful by sharing all you have learned is pure GOLD. As a relationship expert, these genuine qualities you possess is what every great partner seeks. Thank you for serving as an example for what "good human" looks like. You're the best! x