In case anyone is looking for an example of an application and a video, here is my company's successful application and video from the S14 batch.<p><a href="http://www.withkash.com/blog/2015/08/27/applying-to-yc-part-2/" rel="nofollow">http://www.withkash.com/blog/2015/08/27/applying-to-yc-part-...</a>
Here is how I gave up on YC <a href="https://medium.com/@danilka/how-i-gave-up-on-yc-d0935da5cf44" rel="nofollow">https://medium.com/@danilka/how-i-gave-up-on-yc-d0935da5cf44</a><p>P.S. YC is great and everyone should apply. Even the application itself will help you.
Sample of a successful application, video, and tips (Lollipuff, W13): <a href="https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/102/lollipuffs-ycombinator-experience" rel="nofollow">https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/102/lollipuffs-ycombinator-ex...</a><p>This may be especially useful for teams who wonder, "How much traction do we need," as we had some evidence of an unmet need and a MVP implementation when we applied.
Is it a flag if I truly do not have a Facebook or Twitter? (noticed the application asks for your handles). I'm still sociable, and still in my 20s, it's just they are too distracting, I don't like broadcasting my personal life, and I prefer lightweight messaging apps... I just hope if YC sees that they don't think "Uh oh, somethings wrong here..."
Found it interesting that even before people apply they need to mention "Only founders can come to interviews if invited or attend batch events if accepted." I can imagine YC has had a ton of problems with everyone wanting to see their speakers. Or maybe Quora decided to bring their whole company to every YC event.
I suggest this time around YC picks a handful of apps and sends them feedback. It'll be like the next best thing to getting an interview. i don't see how unfair it is. they're already selecting a handful for interviews.
I am in the interesting situation that I am currently exploring two different ideas with two different groups of people. Both ideas are in completely different spaces and I am not sure yet which one I think is more promising. Due to the very different nature of the ideas it's currently easy for me as the potential, technical co-founder to divide my attention between those. Would there be any issue if I applied independently with both separate teams? Obviously I wouldn't be able to follow through on both if they got both accepted, but that scenario seems extremely unlikely to me.
Any benefit to applying early? I know previously it was always said there was, but in Spring I remember sama saying they'd only start looking at them after the deadline.
Once upon a time I applied and was deemed unworthy. I kid, of course; it's a difficult road but immensely rewarding -- whether or not you get in.<p>Good luck to everyone!
Is the Requests for Startups <a href="http://www.ycombinator.com/rfs/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ycombinator.com/rfs/</a> anything new here? Very interesting, will spread the word.
Slightly off topic, but are the documents created by YC for YC companies open source? Specifically, the agreements beyond just the Articles of Incorporation?
This is great for a deadline. If we have a great product and a lot of feedback from our user in the last week, definitely we will send the application.