JL: Why I Do YC

And you can really feel all of that sentiment when working with Jessica and the rest of Y Combinator. They're not just doing it because it's the next-generation, paradigm-shifting, game-changing micro-investment model (I call that buzzword-dashing).<p>It's also one of the reasons why, with all these similar funds cropping up, YC cannot be completely duplicated.

<i>In a startup, you choose to work with people you think are talented. At a big company, you're stuck working with whoever else they've hired.</i><p>What a great observation. So obvious, yet hardly ever mentioned.<p>I'd add...<p>In a startup, you choose to work on what you want, how you want. At a big company, you're stuck working on whatever they want, however they want it.

<i>I spent 13 years in corporate America, mostly because I didn't understand what my other options were. I was hypnotized...</i><p><i>I don't want young people to endure corporate America like I did if they don't want to.</i><p>I find these statements very moving. Perhaps it's because they speak simply from deep experience.

I come from a country where there is very little investment in technology and almost no innovation happening. I hope one day I will have the financial freedom to do something similar to YC there because I strongly believe there are many talented people waiting for opportunities and so many places where technology and innovation could be extremely helpful.<p>So I just want to say thanks for what YC does. It changes people's lives and inspires others which I believe is something extremely satisfying and something to feel immensely proud of.

JL: are there any specific people or companies (that have come through the YC pipeline) that you are most proud of? (or maybe this is too much like picking favorites)

<i>I felt a little sanctimonious afterward (since I definitely hope YC doesn't turn out to be a non-profit)</i><p>I realize that this is sensitive information and you guys may not want to share, but I'll ask anyway. Has YC broken even, yet? Is it close? Nowhere near?