There is endless content about “how to get into Y-Combinator” — most of which will lead you down a rabbit hole of optimization.
This piece aims to minimize the time you spend optimizing the application and maximize your time on building your company.
As a quick background, I’m Daniel Kang, CEO & Co-founder of Flowbo (YC S21). I got into YC with an idea — no product, no revenue. So if that’s what’s holding you back, you should apply. Before Flowbo, I was an investor at Softbank Vision Fund. I continue to invest as a venture partner at Pioneer Fund, a VC fund run by YC alumni.
First, here are a few reminders to get you in the right mindset as you start preparing for your application: