Hacker News Reader

Comment by healthenclave | Hacker News Reader

Hello Michael,

I was suggested by few YC Alums that YC will not accept a startup if the founders are not working full time on it.

Question: In my case I am working full time because it's helping me fund my startup and It's actually helping me grow it due to connection to my peers (I am M.D from India working on a Health Startup). Is this a bad sign ?

I simply do not have the resources (and enough revenue) to quit my job Yet. But I am dedicated 200 % towards my startup and the vision. And I spend most of my time (outside of work) on my startup.

View on HN

I am someone completely removed from the scene, and have never attempted a startup let alone applied to YC, but I do get the image that the ideal YC start up is one comprised of the following: 2 to 4 smart, young, and hungry developers that really just need food and rent money for three months so they can dedicate themselves 100% to hacking on their project.

That seemed to be the idea early at least. Now they're expanding and investing in larger startups who get more value from the alumni network and the face time with the YC crew. At the end of the day though, they don't want people to have the fallback plan of just letting their startup fizzle while they continue to work their day job. I don't blame them to be honest.

He answered a similar question (mine) below:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13895615

Thanks. But for me, I am NOT looking for any external validation. Except my users, whom I deeply care about. My situation (being in a Developing country) is a little different from your IMHO.

Your question was "Is this a bad sign?" And the answer to that is NO. You're doing just fine. But if you're looking for a funding from YC (which is an external validation btw), they would rather fund someone who are willing to quit their job and commit 100%.

Like I said there's nothing wrong with your approach. If you believe you're doing the right thing and you can see the growth then you are doing it right.

You WILL know when it's time to quit your job and commit when the time comes.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com