As a currently "retired" (i.e., downsized) Aerospace Engineer, I have applied for the inaugural YCF batch with my home-grown, prototyped idea, zejoop.com. The Zejoop story is told in the blog at blog.zejoop.com.
Having applied twice, unsuccessfully, as a single-founder to YC "proper" sessions, I was highly enthused and excited to hear about the offer of such an opportunity. My happy reaction was tied mainly to the advice, evaluation, counsel and network-expanding aspects of the YCF program. This is because I think those very aspects are EXACTLY what I need to make sense of where I am at. Whether that means, carry-on, commit to a giant pivot, or even abandon this idea, I know I'd benefit from the YCF experience. I need these because I lack a well formed community where I live in Santa Clarita CA. Although possible communities to fill that role do exist (Santa Monica and Pasadena) they are just far enough away to make them impractical commute-wise, on a day-to-day basis.
Also since the Y Combinator stake is lower in terms of cash outlay, and in lesser demands (that'd I'd place) for time and attention, I thought I'd be a better match to YCF, and I might have an easier path forward to acceptance than one of the highly competitive YC sessions. Basically Zejoop, and I, as a single-founder, are seemingly lower risk, and easier to take a chance on.
The prospect that YC hopes to create a 100-fold increase in entrepreneurship was also exciting - again, Zejoop seemingly a lower risk with such a big pool. Since submitting however, I am disappointed that the first batch will likely be on the order of 20 fellowship offerings. Gah! Sadness... Back to square one, with giant slabs of applicants and only a few slots.
Since no feedback is given during the YC Sessions application process I have no clue whatsoever if I simply, and outright, have a bad idea, or if the single-founder status is the obstacle that has been holding me back. I fully realize, and I am willing to accept that success will likely require me to find a co-founder; my current community is simply not providing any such candidates. I'd take a co-founder if I could find a good one.
Regardless, the YCF sounds like a great idea and I hope it is successful (oh, and also, that I am accepted!). There are scores of thousands of people exactly like me who have been prematurely displaced from Aerospace/Defense. People who have good ideas, lots of experience and wisdom to share, and who need a productive outlet for their energy, skills and creativity.
...update; so this is anecdotal, but I just searched #ycfellowship and discern that there were ~6500 applications for 20 slot. Wow - more sadness - more energy spent on submission, and no feedback. Very impressive stats for YC though.
Having applied twice, unsuccessfully, as a single-founder to YC "proper" sessions, I was highly enthused and excited to hear about the offer of such an opportunity. My happy reaction was tied mainly to the advice, evaluation, counsel and network-expanding aspects of the YCF program. This is because I think those very aspects are EXACTLY what I need to make sense of where I am at. Whether that means, carry-on, commit to a giant pivot, or even abandon this idea, I know I'd benefit from the YCF experience. I need these because I lack a well formed community where I live in Santa Clarita CA. Although possible communities to fill that role do exist (Santa Monica and Pasadena) they are just far enough away to make them impractical commute-wise, on a day-to-day basis.
Also since the Y Combinator stake is lower in terms of cash outlay, and in lesser demands (that'd I'd place) for time and attention, I thought I'd be a better match to YCF, and I might have an easier path forward to acceptance than one of the highly competitive YC sessions. Basically Zejoop, and I, as a single-founder, are seemingly lower risk, and easier to take a chance on.
The prospect that YC hopes to create a 100-fold increase in entrepreneurship was also exciting - again, Zejoop seemingly a lower risk with such a big pool. Since submitting however, I am disappointed that the first batch will likely be on the order of 20 fellowship offerings. Gah! Sadness... Back to square one, with giant slabs of applicants and only a few slots.
Since no feedback is given during the YC Sessions application process I have no clue whatsoever if I simply, and outright, have a bad idea, or if the single-founder status is the obstacle that has been holding me back. I fully realize, and I am willing to accept that success will likely require me to find a co-founder; my current community is simply not providing any such candidates. I'd take a co-founder if I could find a good one.
Regardless, the YCF sounds like a great idea and I hope it is successful (oh, and also, that I am accepted!). There are scores of thousands of people exactly like me who have been prematurely displaced from Aerospace/Defense. People who have good ideas, lots of experience and wisdom to share, and who need a productive outlet for their energy, skills and creativity.
Wish me luck, and I'll do the same for you!