Incubators, Bootstrapping vs. VC & Other Ways to Fund Your Startup

Decode startup money moves: revenue transparency, VC decisions, build-in-public stories, funding terms, launch results and everything else you need to navigate the many ways to fund your startup.

Latest Discussions

Market Sentiment12d ago

Startup fundraising plans

A user inquires about current fundraising status; the response indicates no active raises but mentions an upcoming seed round opening in 4 weeks, inviting interested parties to make contact via email. This provides actionable insight for potential investors to follow up for more information.

Join the thread - 2 comments

🔗 Launch HN: Constellation Space (YC W26) – AI for satellite mission assurance

Product Feedback10d ago

YC funding terms and value proposition

The thread discusses Y Combinator's unique value proposition of founder transformation rather than just funding. One comment points out that the commonly referenced $500,000 for 7% deal might not be accurate, clarifying that the standard deal is an initial $125,000 for 7% via SAFE, with an additional $375,000 convertible at future rounds. This insight highlights the importance of understanding YC's actual financial terms versus its branding on the homepage for potential applicants and comparators.

Join the thread - 2 comments

🔗 New YC Site

Market Sentiment7d ago

Trade-offs of YC investment

The thread discusses the strategic trade-off startups face when joining Y Combinator (YC)—gaining access to a vast network and significant capital in exchange for equity. One commenter emphasizes that YC's goal is to back high-growth potential startups aiming for unicorn status, not modest, slow-growth companies. This highlights the importance for founders to align their ambitions with YC's investment model, understanding that giving up equity is part of pursuing aggressive scaling rather than a minor transaction.

Join the thread - 2 comments

🔗 Ask HN: Is YC worth it anymore?

General Discussion7d ago

Startup equity and execution risks

The discussion centers on weighing the value of participating in startup equity allocations, particularly in the context of access to exclusive networks like those for YC founders and mentors. It highlights the increasing importance of the startup idea's merit given perceived declines in execution quality. The dialogue suggests considering the risk and potential dilution impact on cap tables before accepting equity, and implies a sense of urgency related to technological shifts such as AGI. Actionable insights include evaluating startup ideas carefully and being cautious with equity allocations if immediate cash is prioritized.

Join the thread - 2 comments

🔗 Ask HN: Is YC worth it anymore?

General Discussion2h ago

Startup Fund Management and Risk Strategies

The thread centers on the best practices for managing funds raised by startups, particularly emphasizing caution in innovating beyond the product and technology areas. Founders are advised to keep financial and operational practices standard to avoid unnecessary distractions and risks. However, some participants discuss the potential value in exploring new approaches to financial management as a way to escape typical startup pitfalls. The recent instability in financial systems, such as the Silicon Valley Bank collapse and inflation concerns, introduces additional complexity, with suggestions to consider safe, short-term treasury investments to protect cash reserves from inflation erosion. Overall, the discussion underscores a balance between prudent fund management and strategic innovation restricted to the core competitive advantages of the startup.

Join the thread - 9 comments

🔗 Y Combinator will let founders receive funds in stablecoins

Industry Analysis7d ago

Seed Funding and Startup Ecosystem in Canada

The initial comment critiques Canada's startup ecosystem compared to Y Combinator's seed funding model, suggesting Canada could replicate such models with modest capital but lacks strategic seriousness. A follow-up question asks about specific changes Canada could implement to improve its startup scene, highlighting a desire for actionable insights on policy or structural reforms.

Join the thread - 2 comments

🔗 Y Combinator website no longer lists Canada as a country it invests in