I co-founded a legal startup, and a funded YC company pivoted into our exact space. We applied and never even received an interview. I once did a Show HN about it that made the front page and was immediately removed, upon an email to dang my post was reinstated and I even received a comment/review by a YC partner. The review was overall complimentary, included actionable critiques and even included reasons why he subjectively believe the YC company was ahead of mine.
While the YC company raised well over $1M, the last available data shows their annual income was $80k, my startup was bootstrapped making well over 6 figures and ultimately I achieved a liquidation event.
While the YC company raised well over $1M, the last available data shows their annual income was $80k, my startup was bootstrapped making well over 6 figures and ultimately I achieved a liquidation event.