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Which YC companies had the most traction before going into YC?

6 points| kkt262 | 14 years ago | reply

Just thought this would be an interesting thread. Which YC companies had significant traction prior to their acceptance into YC? (Revenue, Users, etc)

5 comments

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[+] yurka|14 years ago|reply
Also, a related question: Has YC rejected applicants despite impressive early traction?
[+] thong|14 years ago|reply
I don't have examples, but I would think so.

In terms of product-market fit, great fit in a small market still limits potential success of a company in the absolute sense. (i.e. "dominating" the now-$5M a year "pog" milkcap industry)

That's why VC's sometimes look for startups that have seemingly strange ideas to "normals", but the potential to address problems in a massive market. Achieving product-market fit can take time, but doing so in a large market can mean more in the end. (i.e. Spanx - a "minor player" in the womens underwear sector when compared to Victoria' Secret)

[+] staunch|14 years ago|reply
Humble Bundle is one.
[+] kkt262|14 years ago|reply
What kind of traction did they have?