YC is doing a first ever Fall batch – applications due by 8/27

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Batch naming and timing

  • Many jokes about how a new Fall batch complicates seasonal abbreviations (e.g., conflicts if a Spring batch is added; alternative letters like P/V/N suggested).
  • Some note the application window feels very short (about 3 weeks) and badly timed with school/family obligations.

Is YC “worth it”?

  • Several alumni and participants say it was “100% worth it,” emphasizing:
    • Network and access to investors, especially for non‑US founders.
    • Education: advice, videos, and peer learning.
    • Easier fundraising and credibility, particularly for first‑time or devtool/startup‑focused companies.
  • Others argue the equity (~10% for $500k) may be a bad deal for startups with traction, especially in hot areas like AI.

Selection, bias, and process

  • Some suspect “soft red flags” (solo founders, non‑US, hardware, non‑hot themes) reduce chances; others reply this is rational filtering.
  • Debate on whether YC heavily prefers elite universities and a narrow archetype; people point to YC’s public founder directory showing many top‑school backgrounds.
  • Experiences range from thoughtful, helpful rejections to form letters to at least one reportedly blunt, demotivating reply.
  • Multiple people stress a direct “no” is better than silence; others feel ghosting undermines claims of “apply again.”

Hidden tools, secrecy, and power dynamics

  • One expelled alum describes:
    • Internal “secret” tools, rating systems, and founder community software not visible to the public.
    • Strong compartmentalization of information and comfort with secrecy.
  • Some claim criticism of YC can lead to repercussions (e.g., social/media blocking, alleged HN flagging), while others downplay censorship.
  • A commenter alleges their ideas were effectively “taken” and given to other YC startups; this is contested and unproven.

Fit, pressure, and alternatives

  • Several note YC is best for venture‑scale ambitions; lifestyle or small indie projects (e.g., games) may not align.
  • Concerns raised about:
    • Silicon Valley groupthink and “high school popularity contest” dynamics.
    • The intense, competitive “pressure cooker” atmosphere not suiting all personalities.
  • Others say unless you’re already well‑connected and resourced, YC’s education, network, and fundraising support make it a strong option.

Logistics, credits, and mechanics

  • Questions about whether attendance still requires being in San Francisco; answers are mixed/unclear in this thread.
  • Founders say remote/stitched application videos are acceptable.
  • Large “$1M in credits” mostly seen as stacked cloud/AI deals; commenters highlight vendor lock‑in and that similar credits are often available to VC‑backed startups generally.
  • One newcomer is confused by the MFN SAFE and $375k structure; the thread snippet does not clearly resolve this.