Tom here. I am exhausted so pardon the informality and lack of feeling. Questions, etc. please contact me. Paul has a note that he's going to be posting on the YC blog at some point; try to keep discussion to one post, for my sanity. I will be keeping an eye on stuff and answering questions where possible.
A blogger wrote about a competitor of TS and I mentioned in the comments that the blogger totally missed TS. Dan reached out to me via e-mail to say thanks for the note. From that quick e-mail, we developed a great friendship.
Dan was another "business guy" with a finance background who jumped into a startup because he was angry, physically angry, about a problem he saw and wanted to make it better. He was the first real kindred spirit I've found on my startup journey. He was more than a mentor, he was an inspiration.
I leaned on him a lot, probably more than was fair, but Dan was always there to help me out, think things through, or just offer a pick-me-up when I was down about user numbers, distraught about my inability to help my startup because I couldn't code, or whatever else was on my mind. He introduced me to new ideas and new techniques, but most importantly, he introduced me to a world of new friends. Because of him, I have a place to crash and people to hang with when I visit San Francisco.
Dan paid it forward and did it because he liked to help people. He will be missed.
I first met Dan at the little breakfast YC held for our newly-admitted class, right after interviews in May of 2008. I was so impressed with the strength of Dan's ideas, his natural charisma, and how much of a hustler he was. I still tell friends the stories I heard from him that day about how he worked the system in ways that I don't think even Dan would feel comfortable with me saying here. Dan worked all the angles, especially the ones that you and I would never even consider. He took crazy risks, often came out on top, and had a shit-eating grin the whole way. Dan was awesome. Throughout the summer, Dan and I would talk regularly about our companies, strategies, and how it was going. He had the rare mix of smart, incisive questions, and an easygoing manner that made everyone relax and smile. Jessica would always scold Dan and Tom for drinking too much beer in front of the speakers, and Dan would always charm his way out. Everyone was in stitches for his demo day presentations too. I remember hearing PG brag about feeling like he could just leave the TicketStumblers alone and they'd come up with something awesome without his help.
Dan was an amazing guy, and I only saw a tiny fraction of his light. The world needs more Dans.
We shared a few lunches in Cambridge, as well as more than a few emails about business-guy strategery. There are so many impressive YC startup founders, but Dan had a remarkable x-factor that one sees in successful entrepreneurs without any of the arrogance, avarice, or powerhunger that so often accompanies this talent.
We only knew each other through a shared investor [YC], yet I very much wanted to see him succeed, and believed would - something most people must have felt upon meeting him.
We were all looking forward to watching him have a long and fruitful career.
As PG said, the world is indeed much poorer without him. Dan's family & friends are in my thoughts.
Ah man. Once I logged into YC and saw the black banner, I thought another CS idol I never knew had passed away, but to find out it was one of our very own was terribly shocking.
My friendship, if you can even call it that, with Dan wasn't as nearly as tight as others here, but when I decided to finally take an idea of mine seriously into startup territory, I came to Dan for a lot of advice. I was kinda new to the whole thing, and even with such a newbie, Dan always took the time to answer every question, explain every concept, letting me know about problems I will come across, and how to deal with them. It always shocked me how much time he took to help me out. I had only met him through the #startups channel, so we were virtual strangers.
From my minimal interactions with Dan, he seemed like a genuine dude. The phrase 'a real stand up guy' comes to mind as well. He just gave off that vibe and it seems that tons of others here picked up on that vibe as well. The best thing to do is to take a page out of Dan's book in how to treat others, and be selfless, and spread that. I know I'll try.
We didn't know each other too well, Dan, but cheers to you, man. And my prayers go out to your friends, family, and Tom.
I recall reading the anecdote at the first link. Without looking I wouldn't have remembered it was from Dan, or even that it was about Ticketstumbler, but I would have recalled the story.
That would happen over and over if I (we) were to sift through Dan's comments. He was such a selfless YC'er - we've gleaned so much from his activity here - but time tends to muddy the origin of ideas. It's like we know what we've learned, but we don't always recall where we learned it. I think it's for that reason I'm reluctant to read through his old stuff; I know I would discover Dan as the origin of so many thought-provoking entries we've been so fortunate to count on across his time here.
His was a tremendous contribution. The impact of this loss is equally so.
To his loved ones and family, to Tom, to my fellow news.yc'rs, I'm sorry.
My boyfriend is a YC founder. After the class of S08 met for the first time, I anxiously awaited his phone call to see how it went. When he called, what was the first thing I heard about...pg...no...Dan Haubert. I heard how he had crazy courage. Then I met him and discovered his gentle heart. Dan, you will be greatly missed.
Dan was my friend. And as far as I know, I was the last YC guy to visit Dan and Tom in Boston. And it breaks my heart. It just breaks it in a million pieces for a million reasons.
Dan was generous, and kind, and smart in the way that we all hope to be. He was the kind of person that would stand in front of a group of powerful venture capitalists and say "we don't need your money." He was a true inspiration.
We lost one of us and we lost one of our best. Please, please take the time to reach out to everyone you know who feels lonely or alone and let them know you care. God knows I wish I had. I wish I had realized.
And if you knew Dan, please take some time to say "fuck you" to the powers that be. He'd smile.
I started reading HN years ago and I always saw a user by the name of fallentimes posting really insightful comments. Through his threads, I found out a lot about he thought through startups, biz, PR...you name it. I learned a lot from him.
We exchanged IMs and emails about little things like TS' press in the FT and how it came about or help with my HN password. I was planning on going to Boston to see my girlfriend's sister and was hoping to meet him in person.
My heart and condolences go out to his friends and family. Tom, be strong - you have all our support and best wishes.
Fuck. I never had the chance to meet Dan, but he gave us extensive feedback on our w2009 app. Of all the YC folks who responded to my cold emails asking for feedback, Dan went the furthest in terms of writing several rounds of very lengthy and thoughtful critiques of our application, giving me his cell phone number for any questions, even putting in a good word with PG for us.
In our correspondence back and forth, he always struck me as an incredibly intelligent, humble, and generous guy who would do anything to help others succeed. He closed one of his last emails to me with this:
Be sure to keep me in the loop. Few things are more gratifying than seeing casual acquaintances & friends make money doing what they love. As always, I'm just one person - do what your gut tells you.
This is so senseless, and I'm having trouble understanding it. PG said it best: the world is a poorer place without him.
I last talked to Dan ten days ago. Can't believe he's gone. His feedback was instrumental to us getting into YC - it was exactly the kick in the ass we needed. If we succeed, a share of that success will belong to him. I think lots of other people could say the same.
This 100+ comments thread filled with anecdotes of ways that fallentimes helped this or that person or was remarkable in this or that way, says more plainly and eloquently than any single post, that this is a tragic loss not only on an individual level, but also for the community.
I spoke to Dan numerous times on #startups. I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. My deepest condolences to Tom and to Dan's family and friends.
A tragic loss. Dan was smart, dedicated, funny, and always a pleasure to talk to.
Please: If you ever find yourself despairing, reach out to your friends, co-founders, parents, investors, someone. They are much more likely to understand than you may think.
Oh my gosh. This is just awful and I'm literally at a loss for words.
We've had several tragic deaths amongst the YC community both recently and over the past few years, but Dan's is definitely the first to viscerally choke me up. I didn't know him personally, but I've read so many of his posts here that I feel like I did.
Please accept my condolences during this difficult time.
In the greater context of start-ups and the pressures associated with that, it's not just 'young kids dying', it is 'young kids working on start-ups dying'. I realize that some people are of a mindset where 'failure is not an option', and this in and of itself brings some risks with it.
No clue what the factors are in this particular case beyond what's in this thread but I've seen people literally break because of the strain a start-up put on their lives.
Working past what your body can normally do and taking on mental burdens past what you could cope with under normal circumstances (huge responsibilities) is not going to be without its consequences.
Again no idea how much of that was a factor here, but I really think that those that get into the game should be very much aware of the pressure and should be able to somehow get rid of that and always remember that even though your start-up is important it is never more important than you and your health.
I am so sorry to hear about this, it's heartbreaking. I enjoyed fallentimes' timely and insightful comments here for quite some time. He really told it like it was. I distinctly remember that he was at the top of the best comments list for his take on the mint.com acquisition. I will miss him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tom, don't be surprised by how much time you need for the fog to clear; everybody is different. Please use this community to share or ask for anything you need. I'm sure I'm not alone in offering whatever I can to help.
In the words of Jeremy Mims -- Dan really was the heart of our YC Summer 08 batch. He was always quick to smile, share a good laugh, and share sharp insights into all things startup.
Dan was one of those guys who would light up the room when he came in. He was always very positive and he genuinely cared about others. I definitely agree he was the heart of our YC Summer 08 batch and gave so many of us great advice.
Dan had such a charm to him. He always had this mischievous twinkle in his eyes, and was so gregarious and affable. He was tall and the kind of guy in the room that everyone just gravitated towards, yet he wasn't the least bit intimidating. He was such a giving person, always lending a hand wherever he could.
Wow I still have not come to terms with this. I whole heartedly agree with Jeremy's comment. He was one of the first people I met in the YC Summer 08 batch and I could feel the excitement & passion oozing out of him. Always quick to help a person out in whatever capacity he could, encouraging and lively, he was truly a stand up guy and will be missed.
Tom, I am sorry for your loss. When Garry told me, I couldn't believe it, I immediately checked Dan's last login time on IM and it was just 4 days ago.
Dan was the kind of person who would be there to help when you needed it. Dan helped us get into YC, he took the time to review our application and even recommended us without us even knowing about it. Dan believed in us despite never have even met me personally--We may not be where we are without Dan.
PG is right, The world is a poorer place without him.
Tom, if there's anything I can help you with, anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask.
It's actually a great read. I didn't know him personally but as someone who knew him well enough to recognize his user name I'm saddened by this. The last thing the world needs is fewer smart people who honestly speak their minds.
Not so much as a smidgen of a hint. His comments seemed consistent up until the last with no hint of despair. No wonder this caught people by surprise. It's flabbergasting.
My condolences to everyone close to Dan. Although I didn't know him personally, he seemed like a terrific guy.
[+] [-] tdavis|16 years ago|reply
tom@ts also gtalk
[+] [-] pg|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ojbyrne|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] sachinag|16 years ago|reply
Dan was another "business guy" with a finance background who jumped into a startup because he was angry, physically angry, about a problem he saw and wanted to make it better. He was the first real kindred spirit I've found on my startup journey. He was more than a mentor, he was an inspiration.
I leaned on him a lot, probably more than was fair, but Dan was always there to help me out, think things through, or just offer a pick-me-up when I was down about user numbers, distraught about my inability to help my startup because I couldn't code, or whatever else was on my mind. He introduced me to new ideas and new techniques, but most importantly, he introduced me to a world of new friends. Because of him, I have a place to crash and people to hang with when I visit San Francisco.
Dan paid it forward and did it because he liked to help people. He will be missed.
[+] [-] AndrewWarner|16 years ago|reply
I feel terrible about this.
[+] [-] fuelfive|16 years ago|reply
Dan was an amazing guy, and I only saw a tiny fraction of his light. The world needs more Dans.
[+] [-] gabesmed|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kn0thing|16 years ago|reply
We only knew each other through a shared investor [YC], yet I very much wanted to see him succeed, and believed would - something most people must have felt upon meeting him.
We were all looking forward to watching him have a long and fruitful career.
As PG said, the world is indeed much poorer without him. Dan's family & friends are in my thoughts.
[+] [-] kyro|16 years ago|reply
My friendship, if you can even call it that, with Dan wasn't as nearly as tight as others here, but when I decided to finally take an idea of mine seriously into startup territory, I came to Dan for a lot of advice. I was kinda new to the whole thing, and even with such a newbie, Dan always took the time to answer every question, explain every concept, letting me know about problems I will come across, and how to deal with them. It always shocked me how much time he took to help me out. I had only met him through the #startups channel, so we were virtual strangers.
From my minimal interactions with Dan, he seemed like a genuine dude. The phrase 'a real stand up guy' comes to mind as well. He just gave off that vibe and it seems that tons of others here picked up on that vibe as well. The best thing to do is to take a page out of Dan's book in how to treat others, and be selfless, and spread that. I know I'll try.
We didn't know each other too well, Dan, but cheers to you, man. And my prayers go out to your friends, family, and Tom.
[+] [-] tptacek|16 years ago|reply
http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=392341 http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=338357
I'm so sorry for the loss. Dan, I hope it was an adventure. Peace be with you.
[+] [-] brianlash|16 years ago|reply
That would happen over and over if I (we) were to sift through Dan's comments. He was such a selfless YC'er - we've gleaned so much from his activity here - but time tends to muddy the origin of ideas. It's like we know what we've learned, but we don't always recall where we learned it. I think it's for that reason I'm reluctant to read through his old stuff; I know I would discover Dan as the origin of so many thought-provoking entries we've been so fortunate to count on across his time here.
His was a tremendous contribution. The impact of this loss is equally so.
To his loved ones and family, to Tom, to my fellow news.yc'rs, I'm sorry.
[+] [-] tdavis|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] run4yourlives|16 years ago|reply
I'd certainly add to the prevailing sentiment.
[+] [-] _joanna|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jeremymims|16 years ago|reply
Dan was generous, and kind, and smart in the way that we all hope to be. He was the kind of person that would stand in front of a group of powerful venture capitalists and say "we don't need your money." He was a true inspiration.
We lost one of us and we lost one of our best. Please, please take the time to reach out to everyone you know who feels lonely or alone and let them know you care. God knows I wish I had. I wish I had realized.
And if you knew Dan, please take some time to say "fuck you" to the powers that be. He'd smile.
We will miss you dearly.
[+] [-] daveambrose|16 years ago|reply
We exchanged IMs and emails about little things like TS' press in the FT and how it came about or help with my HN password. I was planning on going to Boston to see my girlfriend's sister and was hoping to meet him in person.
My heart and condolences go out to his friends and family. Tom, be strong - you have all our support and best wishes.
[+] [-] ryanwaggoner|16 years ago|reply
In our correspondence back and forth, he always struck me as an incredibly intelligent, humble, and generous guy who would do anything to help others succeed. He closed one of his last emails to me with this:
Be sure to keep me in the loop. Few things are more gratifying than seeing casual acquaintances & friends make money doing what they love. As always, I'm just one person - do what your gut tells you.
This is so senseless, and I'm having trouble understanding it. PG said it best: the world is a poorer place without him.
Rest in peace, Dan.
[+] [-] coffeemug|16 years ago|reply
My condolences to Tom, Dan's friends, and family.
[+] [-] swombat|16 years ago|reply
I spoke to Dan numerous times on #startups. I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. My deepest condolences to Tom and to Dan's family and friends.
[+] [-] tlb|16 years ago|reply
Please: If you ever find yourself despairing, reach out to your friends, co-founders, parents, investors, someone. They are much more likely to understand than you may think.
[+] [-] unknown|16 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] _pius|16 years ago|reply
We've had several tragic deaths amongst the YC community both recently and over the past few years, but Dan's is definitely the first to viscerally choke me up. I didn't know him personally, but I've read so many of his posts here that I feel like I did.
Please accept my condolences during this difficult time.
[+] [-] vaksel|16 years ago|reply
how did he die, if you don't mind me asking?
[+] [-] tdavis|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jacquesm|16 years ago|reply
No clue what the factors are in this particular case beyond what's in this thread but I've seen people literally break because of the strain a start-up put on their lives.
Working past what your body can normally do and taking on mental burdens past what you could cope with under normal circumstances (huge responsibilities) is not going to be without its consequences.
Again no idea how much of that was a factor here, but I really think that those that get into the game should be very much aware of the pressure and should be able to somehow get rid of that and always remember that even though your start-up is important it is never more important than you and your health.
Don't push it too far.
[+] [-] notlisted|16 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] edw519|16 years ago|reply
Tom, don't be surprised by how much time you need for the fog to clear; everybody is different. Please use this community to share or ask for anything you need. I'm sure I'm not alone in offering whatever I can to help.
[+] [-] rantfoil|16 years ago|reply
We will miss him always.
[+] [-] whather|16 years ago|reply
Dan, you were a good friend and will be missed.
[+] [-] edawerd|16 years ago|reply
I'll miss him so much.
[+] [-] nihaar|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] suhail|16 years ago|reply
Dan was the kind of person who would be there to help when you needed it. Dan helped us get into YC, he took the time to review our application and even recommended us without us even knowing about it. Dan believed in us despite never have even met me personally--We may not be where we are without Dan.
PG is right, The world is a poorer place without him.
Tom, if there's anything I can help you with, anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask.
[+] [-] TomOfTTB|16 years ago|reply
http://news.ycombinator.com/threads?id=fallentimes
It's actually a great read. I didn't know him personally but as someone who knew him well enough to recognize his user name I'm saddened by this. The last thing the world needs is fewer smart people who honestly speak their minds.
[+] [-] rogerthat|16 years ago|reply
http://friendfeed.com/danhau http://twitter.com/danhau
Not so much as a smidgen of a hint. His comments seemed consistent up until the last with no hint of despair. No wonder this caught people by surprise. It's flabbergasting.
My condolences to everyone close to Dan. Although I didn't know him personally, he seemed like a terrific guy.
What sad news.