Ask HN: Does Europe Need a YC?
Maybe, but first, a mentality shift might be needed...
Instead of my inbox blowing up talking to lots of VCs, I’d rather to a few. Ones who have real-world experience. Someone who can actually add value, drawing on a portfolio of companies that offer traction, feedback, and support early on. Someone willing to take real risks, who still remembers how thrilling it is to start something from nothing.
What I heard a lot was at pre-seed is: “Come back when you’ve got £1M ARR.”
In my (super limited) experience, many UK investors seem super cautious, sitting on large pools of money, moving far too slowly for startups in their most fragile pre-seed stage. Also there are LOADS of them, 1000s. Worse, they often want too much equity up front, which stifles creativity, momentum, and ambition.
Meanwhile, YC and San Francisco have gravity. The value is clear: if you’re in, you’re in, capital, connections, and momentum flow toward you. That pull accelerates founders, instead of slowing them down.
Too many VCs here only want to bet on the horses most likely to win. A dead cert. But, I’m not sure that mentality fuels real innovation, or builds the kind of ecosystem YC has managed to create.
For a time I thought this was Station F in Paris, but it's been quiet. So, would love to hear what you think below. Have I just been fooled by the bright lights and allure of YC?