005 - The Y Combinator Interview

Startups, Sparks and Serendipity

This week our hosts dive deeper into the Y Combinator process and discuss the interview. It is good to know that even if you are not accepted, the process helps you to think clearly about your startup. It forces you to ask yourself important questions that you may otherwise overlook. Some useful tips from this episode include the following: Know your numbers (e.g. revenue, market size, etc.), go-to-market strategy and user acquisition, scalability, monetization and profitability. The importance of your value proposition is not to be understated. What problem are you solving and how are you different? Team Dynamics are just as vital. How are the founders and cofounders splitting equity? Does the team have complementary skill sets? Mike shares how you should anticipate questions and prepare well for your interview. Finally, pay attention to non-verbal queues and curb your cockiness and arrogance.

Tip: Leverage creation for your own success.

Recommendations:

To Read:

The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker

Time to Build Blog Article by Marc Andreessen

When Tailwinds Vanish by John Luttig

Tool to use: Superhuman (write Max an email to info©maxelster.com in case you would like him to refer you)

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