| I am very surprized by this statement: "In general, we don’t start introducing startups to investors until a maximum of 10 days before Demo Day" I know for a fact that accelerators like TechStars start introducing startups to investors 4 weeks into the program. They actually have groups of investors come in and talk to the startups. Although, they don't talk about investments, but everyone knows there is a vetting element in there. Accelerators are very different nowadays from what its roots. Many YC companies (as well as TechStars companies) come into the program with significant traction. (See note) I always had the expectation that accelerators are about helping young startups to figure out what they do. Although the reality is that they are all fund raising bootcamps to help startups that already know what they do to raise their round easily. I am curious to hear YC founders on their thoughts of accelerators, especially, the traction you have or your peers already had before YC. Note:
e.g. Memebox - YC company was already on 1.5 million runrate before entering into the program and have already raised 1+million dollars; There are many more examples, in both YC and TechStars which I can list if anyone is interested |
Not to be pedantic but I see accelerators as accelerating a startup. Try to picture something accelerating really fast, but apply that concept to a startup. I think it's a bit of a myth that YC helps young startups figure out what to do.. they are more about helping great startups move and grow faster.
>> I am very surprized by this statement: "In general, we don’t start introducing startups to investors until a maximum of 10 days before Demo Day"
Simply because it's better to focus on the product and get more users before demo day. Raising is just a way to grow faster.
>> am curious to hear YC founders on their thoughts of accelerators, especially, the traction you have or your peers already had before YC.
Loved the experience, would do it again. We had great traction for a very early startup.