Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply for YC?

Posted by lix2333 on Monday March 05, 2012 @11:19AM
from the ask-hn dept.

I didn't find a definitive answer on the FAQ pages of YC. I think I have a great idea and I'm working on the business plan and such, but I don't have a usable product or even the beginnings of one at the moment. Is it too early for to apply to YC and similar programs if you only have a detailed idea/plan and a bit of the grunt work done?

( 7 comments | 10 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply ... by davidbalbert on Monday March 05, 2012 @11:31AM (#3667055)

I don't think it's too early to apply for YC. We hadn't built anything when we applied (although we had spent a few weeks brainstorming ideas). We built our prototype between when we were accepted for interviews and when we actually interviewed. Even if you don't apply, filling out the YC application is a great way to think clearly about your idea.

YC accepts good people who's ideas they don't like and then try to convince you to do something else. We fell into this category. I wouldn't spend too much time writing a business plan though. Start building things and experimenting.

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Re:Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply ... by ig1 on Monday March 05, 2012 @02:23PM (#3667901)

I think a bigger problem for you is the use of "I", YC is very much focused on the team. If you've got a good team with a track record from working together you've got a chance to get in pre-product.

If you're a sole founder you pretty much have to show that you're capable of building a company on your own which essentially requires product and traction.

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Re:Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply ... by donskif on Monday March 05, 2012 @11:55AM (#3667165)

Thanks for asking this question. I was wondering this as well. It's good to hear that very early stage ideas are not shunned altogether, even though we are at a disadvantage to other candidates.

I'm currently following David's advice; questioning my idea using YC application as a reference and starting to get a prototype together.

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Re:Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply ... by SatvikBeri on Monday March 05, 2012 @01:41PM (#3667694)

Considering that YC encourages people to apply even if they don't have an idea, and pg has stated in these forums that they accept founders who don't have ideas, you're probably fine.

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Re:Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply ... by thar2012 on Wednesday March 07, 2012 @01:43PM (#3676588)

I am looking for partner to apply for YC. I am a techie with 8 yrs of experience in developing software products. if interested, shoot me an email.

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Re:Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply ... by lix2333 on Thursday March 08, 2012 @12:48PM (#3680742)

You don't have your email listed.

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Re:Ask HN: How far along does your idea have to be to apply ... by thar2012 on Thursday March 15, 2012 @09:29AM (#3708315)

[email protected]

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