As an entrepreneur and founder I've spent considerable time on the YC Co-Founder Platform.
In this post, I'll share my observations about how I use the platform, the types of people you're likely to encounter there and offer insights on whether it's worth your time if you're looking for a co-founder.
Why I'm on the YC Co-Founder Platform
As a solo founder of Wisp, a Headless CMS for high growth startup to manage a blog, I'm on the platform for several reasons:
To find potential co-founders for Wisp who can complement my skills in areas like sales, marketing, and operations.
To explore other founders' ideas and potentially collaborate on mini-projects before deciding on deeper partnerships.
To identify promising startups for angel investment opportunities.
To network with talented individuals who might become employees, consultants, or offer valuable services.
And since being on the platform for about 3 months now, I've had over 20 conversations with different people, and this is what I learn about the profiles of people on the platform.
The Four Types of People on YC Co-Founder Platform
1. Agencies and Service Providers
These individuals aren't genuinely looking for co-founders. Instead, they're using the platform to find potential clients for their services. While YC prohibits this behavior, some slip through the cracks. They often target first-time founders who may lack the experience to evaluate their offerings critically.
Key Characteristic: Overly sales-focused
What They Say:
"We've helped numerous startups just like yours achieve success!"
"Here's 5 things you need to fix on your landing page"
2. First-Time Founders
This group tends to have an idealized view of the startup ecosystem. They often focus on creating perfect pitch decks and conducting extensive online research rather than talking to potential customers. Many come from consulting backgrounds and may overemphasize the importance of fundraising and market research at the expense of customer validation.
Key Characteristic: Obsessed with pitch decks and market size
What They Say:
"I've an idea and just need a CTO to build it for me"
"Once we raise our seed round, we'll disrupt the entire industry!"
3. Second-Time Founders
These entrepreneurs have usually learned from past experiences and are more focused on go-to-market strategies and customer interactions. They're typically more resourceful, finding ways to make progress despite limited resources. They're often the most impressive candidates on the platform.
Key Characteristic: Customer-centric and action-oriented
What They Say:
"I've spoken with 10 potential customers, and here's what I've learned..."
"I've landed on this problem after pivoting from [another idea] after talking to 5 potential customers"
"I've picked up some low-code tool and used ChatGPT to help me write a demo..."
4. Students and Career-Changers
This group is intrigued by entrepreneurship but may not have concrete plans or experience. They're often in information-gathering mode, seeking opinions and validation for their ideas. While they're eager to learn, they may be slower to take action compared to other groups.
Key Characteristic: Curious but hesitant
What They Say:
"I've just left my job and wanted to try building a startup"
"What do you think about this idea I have?"
Finding the "Second-Time Founders"
Among these groups, the "Second-Time Founders" are often the most valuable connections you can make on the platform. To identify them, look for individuals who:
Focus on customer problems rather than product features
Have concrete examples of customer interactions
Demonstrate resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles
Speak about lessons learned from past ventures
Prioritize go-to-market strategies over perfect pitch decks
These founders often stand out by asking insightful questions about your experiences and sharing specific, actionable plans rather than vague ideas.
Maximizing Value from the YC Co-Founder Platform
To get the most out of the YC Co-Founder Platform, consider the following strategies:
Be Clear About Your Goals: Whether you're looking for a co-founder, seeking investment, or exploring ideas, having clear objectives will help you filter conversations more effectively.
Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Don't just pitch your idea. Ask thoughtful questions about others' experiences and insights. This can lead to valuable connections beyond just finding a co-founder.
Offer Value First: Share your expertise or offer to help with specific challenges. This approach can open doors to deeper collaborations.
Be Open to Different Outcomes: While you may be focused on finding a co-founder, be open to other possibilities like partnerships, investments, or even pivoting your own idea based on new insights.
Follow Up and Build Relationships: The platform is just the starting point. Nurture promising connections with follow-up meetings and continued dialogue.
Participate in YC Events and Workshops: Take advantage of any additional resources or events offered through the platform to expand your network and knowledge.
Create a Strong Profile: Ensure your profile clearly communicates your skills, experience, and what you're looking for. This helps attract more relevant connections.
Be Patient and Persistent: Finding the right co-founder or opportunity takes time. Don't get discouraged by initial mismatches or rejections.
Validate Ideas Quickly: If you're exploring potential collaborations, set up small projects or trials to test compatibility and idea viability before committing long-term.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your profile and check the platform for new opportunities. The startup ecosystem moves fast, and staying active can lead to unexpected opportunities.
By approaching the YC Co-Founder Platform with these strategies in mind, you can maximize its potential not just for finding a co-founder, but for overall growth and development in your entrepreneurial journey.
Remember, the platform is a tool, and its value largely depends on how creatively and persistently you use it.