[callmevlad]

Yeah, the first year even after YC funding was very tough. Long story short: sold a car, borrowed a ton on those credit card write-yourself-a-check 2% balance transfer deals (thankfully had good credit to be able to do that), and withdrew early from an IRA (those penalties hurt!) - wouldn’t recommend :)

[thr0w__4w4y]

I'm delighted to hear that after taking on all that risk and "doubling down" by believing in yourself(ves), that you're doing great now. Totally inspirational success story!

[unclebucknasty]

Ah. Understood. It can be a tough call: Am I being persistent and believing in my team/self/product or am I just being stubborn and not reading the signs? There's always a certain insanity to starting a business in the first place, hence is it any less sane to continue?!

So, I imagine that the ray of hope that YC-acceptance presents might embolden one to continue and take on that additional risk as you did.

Still, very gutsy and glad it worked out for you.

(BTW, I can attest: yes, those 401k/IRA penalties hurt!)