[CONTINUED] The second reason: Traction. As you may understand from the above timeline, we have not yet launched. Or, we have launched something, but we didn't validate what we should have validated. In other words, we have no traction that shows 1) that we can grow a business, or 2) that our hypothesis is correct about the users and market.

The final nail in the coffin: Timing. Our venture is in Travel Tech, which is not the most promising industry to be in 2020. We believe that this represents an opportunity, but others may disagree. And I believe, from the viewpoint of YC, that with 2 red flags already identified, the 3rd one can only be identified as a negative too.

Now I ask myself, as a serial failed entrepreneur, with some OK experiences under his belt, and a serious imposter complex: "Will I ever be accepted?" Should I perhaps hang up the hat and try with another project? Or try to correct the above errs and try again? I can fix the 2 issue, and I am trying to fix that now. But I doubt I can fix the 1st, and biggest issue. Should I then just hope that me, and my passion will shine through? Or should I apply with another startup? Another idea, which I might be less passionate about, but that might have a bigger chance, because of Team, Traction and Timing? And I continue thinking: "Does it even matter if I ever get accepted into YC?" Should it matter? Is it the recognition I am looking for? The applause? The validation? Or perhaps it is a Napoleon complex which is driving me towards YC... Anyways, I am left with mildly damaged self-esteem, but I'll continue doing the only thing I think I can do at this time, keep moving forward...

Thank you for reading, any feedback will be appreciated