I don't understand how YC could not invest in Pinboard, given the opportunity.
At $20,000 for the YC Fellowship, it seems like an absolute steal. I for one would love to see the results of this experiment.
The problem which I understood the Fellowship to be addressing is that so many later stage companies apply to YC that it is very difficult for a pre-revenue company to compete.
If YC 'should' invest in Pinboard, why not invest as part of YC and not YC Fellowship?
- Single founder, not a large group
- Hasn't raised any outside capital
- Working on idea full time.
He's even local to YC!
The YCF page says you don't need traction to apply. It doesn't say you can't have traction.
Moreover, it turns out that the funding structure for "Apply HN" is "YCF terms". But that doesn't mean "Apply HN" and "YCF" are the same concept.
Finally, isn't Pinboard basically running away with the HN vote for "Apply HN" at this point?
> I feel like after seven years, I have a pretty good sense of what bookmarking/archiving needs people have, but am at the limits of what I can personally build. If the votes swing my way, I'd be happy to have a good-faith conversation with you.[0]