HN was hugely important in helping me and my cofounder validate and start a program for employed engineers to start companies (Sidepact). We started to validate whether start Sidepact with this post:
With the initial feedback + response, we were able to a) solicit 100+ applications and validate our idea, and b) decide to actually run the program (complete with speakers, investor events, and a 'demo day'). Over half of the first cohort heard of Sidepact through HN, and we're definitely thankful to have been able to reach the niche of folks who read HN!
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=17008044
With the initial feedback + response, we were able to a) solicit 100+ applications and validate our idea, and b) decide to actually run the program (complete with speakers, investor events, and a 'demo day'). Over half of the first cohort heard of Sidepact through HN, and we're definitely thankful to have been able to reach the niche of folks who read HN!