Is YC worth it as solo founder?
Without too many personally identifiable things Got to next stage in YCombinator as a solo founder with a side project in gen AI space. I’m curious about the startup experience but haven’t ever pulled the trigger. Figured if I get into YC it would be better than just quitting my job to do it alone. I Have the highest TC I’ve ever had, haven’t been at Meta that long, and the current job market is not that good, not super confident I could get another similarly high TC job if things don’t work out…. Not sure Early 30s Unmarried ~500k net worth TC ~680K Anybody have a similar experience? Anybody did a startup or went into an incubator and regretted it? Stayed at your company when you had the opportunity to be a founder and regretted it? If I got in this season I’d have to quit before end of year. Kind of soon and applied on a whim. Didn’t think I’d get in and I still might not, but now I’m really torn over the possibility and fear of leaving something stable in a tough job market. This TC is ridiculous and I know it’s not sustainable. But I’m not sure I’m ready to leave it yet Stay and milk the TC as long as I can? Or leave and get an interesting startup experience?
I’m in a similar position, no clue what to do
FWIW I was in a similar position in 2019 and said no. My potential cofounder now has more than $100mm in paper money (and sold at least $10mm in secondaries)
I think the “get rich” part is unlikely. Though the extreme accountability and accelerated learning is what I think would be the most valuable.
This is a personal choice OP. Nobody can help you with this.
I would be careful using words once in a lifetime. it might trick your brain into thinking you will never have a chance to create a startup. I think you can make a startup company at any phase in your life, with YC or not. But in my opinion is better to milk this high TC as long as possible to build a bigger safety net to allow your self to take bigger risks later on. If you were financially independent you could feel confident quitting at any time then pursue a side business
Do it Life is too short
YC on your resume next to Meta is better than 5 years at Meta
Do you think so? I’m not sure it’s prestigious, only in hindsight if you make it big. Maybe hiring managers can comment on how they view past YC applicants (cause I’m guessing people go back to corporate after their startup doesn’t work out)
It’s definitely prestigious. Only YC is prestigious though, no other accelerator has anywhere near that kind of brand recognition.
Hiring manager here. If I’m picking between two similar candidates, one who has 6 years at meta, or one with 3 years at meta and 3 years leading a startup which ultimately failed, I’m picking the startup failure. There are endless big-tech candidates which couldn’t lead a project to completion, let along lead a company for several years. Showing that you have the drive to pursue something innovative with no guardrails is a huge positive indicator. And I read above that you are more interested in the learnings more than the money, in which case it’s pretty clear that the startup path is the right choice. Best of luck getting into YC man. It’s very competitive, but definitely worth the shot, the network alone will give your company a greater chance of success.
How certain are you in the product? If it’s another ChatGPT spinoff that is basically DOA with their new “GPTs marketplace,” definitely no. If you have something truly novel, it could be worth a lot. If it’s something you’re passionate about, go for it. I think Meta has a simplified hiring process if it doesn’t pan out and you need to go back in a short while.
Is it not possible to further your startup as a side gig? Interesting that it’s a concept you can pursue as an IC.
Is your idea defensible or just one of the many gimmicky AI products?