I've been rejected from YC several times, two of which were in interviews. The most recent rejection was supposedly because they thought it was unclear we could become a large venture backed company. I've also had YC founders trying to hire my co-founder and I, questioning why we were still running our company after the rejection.
Despite the rejection we are growing each month, turning down acquisition offers, our customers love our products, and at 24 years old, we are learning a ton. We have no investors, are profitable, and have a lot of time to grow the company and work on crazy ideas. I am having the time of my life.
It's really important to understand the business YC is in, and to separate your self-worth from it. It's also important to not hold any negative feelings towards them, since they are merely trying to maximize their outcomes, and they know the market quite well.
Go follow your passions and make stuff people love. The rest will follow.
Despite the rejection we are growing each month, turning down acquisition offers, our customers love our products, and at 24 years old, we are learning a ton. We have no investors, are profitable, and have a lot of time to grow the company and work on crazy ideas. I am having the time of my life.
It's really important to understand the business YC is in, and to separate your self-worth from it. It's also important to not hold any negative feelings towards them, since they are merely trying to maximize their outcomes, and they know the market quite well.
Go follow your passions and make stuff people love. The rest will follow.