YC’s 13th-try story points to proof of real demand
This Reddit post says a founder was rejected by YC 12 times and accepted on the 13th try. The writer says the failed applications sounded good but did not show strong proof of real demand. The accepted version showed that people genuinely wanted the product. The post also says rejection does not end the path if the founder responds professionally and comes back with a stronger company.
Key points
- The post says the founder got into YC after 12 rejections.
- It says weak applications looked polished but lacked proof of real demand.
- It says the stronger application showed people genuinely wanted the product.
- It says founders can apply again after rejection if they handle the no professionally.
- It says repeatedly explaining the business can reveal what is unclear or weak.
Quick term guide
- founder
- A person who starts a new company or project.
- application
- A software product, such as a web app, mobile app, or desktop program.
- proof
- A logical argument showing that a math statement is true.
- real demand
- Clear signs that people actually want, use, or pay for a product.
- business
- An activity where you provide value to others in exchange for money.
- Owner
- The top account role that can usually change almost every setting.
- ICAL
- A common calendar file format used to move events between calendar apps.
- founders
- People who are starting or running their own business or project.