HACKER Q&A
📣 jennalk

What's it like working at early-stage YC startups?


Considering an offer from a YC startup that's raised seed, 6 months post-pivot, and actively looking for PMF before Series A. What should I know about this stage? What's different from pre-seed or post-Series A companies? Any questions I should definitely ask them?

  👤 codingdave Accepted Answer ✓
Pre-PMF running off a seed round? There is a very real timer counting down. They need PMF and customers before the money runs out in order to convince the next round of investors. Assume it will be a 3-6 month gig, with a mild chance of actually turning into a real job if everyone gets lucky.

You should ask them how long their runway actually is, what goals need to be hit in order to get to the next round and extend the runway, and how this role is going to contribute to those goals. Be wary of anyone who won't answer those questions or who doesn't know the answer to those questions.

👤 dustingetz
join after the A if you care about money. Join before the A if you are uniquely mission aligned or technology aligned, e.g. it’s 2016 and you want to work in VR, and aren’t optimizing for money right now. Early stage is fun and you’ll learn a lot and that’s about it.