[frognumber]

The geography thing is a big deal to me. It seems YC still requires SFO area during the duration of the program. Are there alternatives?

Techstars didn't seem appealing not for the concept, but because it smelled funny. I think there is room for a robust global YC-style program. I see a lot more opportunities outside of SFO than inside, and especially in significantly different markets (and especially in ones with lower cost-of-labor).

[morgante]

YC effectively already is that global program. There are YC startups from all over—spending 3 months in SFO does not require you to move there forever, and many do return to other markets/locations.

[frognumber]

No. It's not, unless you're straight out of college.

I've done multiple successful startups, have a pretty good record of securing funding, customers, and exits, so I'm confident I'd be an easy bet for YC, simply based on track record. I'm also confident that I'd enjoy YC and learn a lot (even though I expect I'd be older than most of the kids there).

However, I've mostly cut out travel since I've had a family. I turn down speaking engagements and conferences, and limit to a very small number of trips a year. It's worth it.

I'm certainly wouldn't advise anyone to try explaining to their child why they won't see Daddy or Mommy for three months.

If I were to categorize the mistakes in my life, most involved prioritizing work over family. Older people always tell younger people that, and younger people never believe it.

[morgante]

Sorry, but if your ambition is to start a $1B company, 3 months in SF is a relatively small sacrifice no matter your age.

[sanderjd]

Do you have a family? If so, you're certainly entitled to your perspective, and I do know ambitious people with families who do think this way, but they are a tiny minority. If you don't have a family... well, this is one of the many things to fully comprehend until you've actually "been there done that".

[frognumber]

... or I could do what I'm doing, and sit in my bedroom on my butt, mostly coding up a prototype, relying on being well-known enough to bring in money based on my personal brand, collecting a reasonable salary.

You have no idea who is competing for whom.

I'd enjoy YC, and I'd learn from it, but it's definitely not something I need to do. Have a quick list at the ages and backgrounds of people who started large companies.

Another life lesson, this one for you: Don't be a dick. There's no upside, and a lot of downside.

[morgante]

> ... or I could do what I'm doing, and sit in my bedroom on my butt, mostly coding up a prototype, relying on being well-known enough to bring in money based on my personal brand, collecting a reasonable salary.

That's fine? I'm not criticizing that path: it's more pleasant, enjoyable, and probably better for almost everyone.

You're coming at me with a level of hostility that is unwarranted.

> Another life lesson, this one for you: Don't be a dick. There's no upside, and a lot of downside.

You're the one being patronizing and talking down to me for no reason.

YC is simply not interested in people who's goal is to earn a "reasonable salary." It doesn't fit their business model.

That doesn't make YC bad, and it doesn't make you bad. It just makes you a poor fit.

[frognumber]

Please reread what you wrote: "Sorry, but if your ambition is to start a $1B company, 3 months in SF is a relatively small sacrifice no matter your age."

That's where the hostility, ignorance, and arrogance came in.

Startup incubators are interested in people who are able to build billion-dollar startups. That's the business model. Full stop.

Random hazing rituals might, perhaps, be a good prediction of how vested someone is, and with no track record, you look for sharp, teachable, willing to work hard, and committed. However, a track-record of having built successful businesses is a much better predictor of being able to do so again than some hazing ritual about being willing to make absurd sacrifices for no reason. Indeed, being willing to make that sort of compromise is probably a good indicator the person has poor judgement, since if there's one thing startups need to do is aggressively prioritize.

> You're the one being patronizing and talking down to me for no reason.

Reread what you wrote, and you'll see the reason. It's for your benefit. You have no idea who I am, and you decided I'm a "poor fit." Assume much based on zero information?

Figure out how not to be a dick. It will hurt you in the long run, more than you imagine.