Ask YC: How is the economic slump impacting YCombinator?

[zitterbewegung]

I was wondering how the economic slump is impacting operations at ycombinator. Applicants or possibly the operation of ycombinator itself.

[pg]

We're not planning to do anything different, and so far the number of applications is about what it usually is.

[davidw]

Well, the winter session will be held at the Compound in an undisclosed location in eastern Montana, but aside from that, nothing.

[steveplace → davidw]

See, the 15k in capital will be given out in denominations of canned food.

[vaksel]

I doubt its impacting them that much. I mean its only 15 grand. Maybe the YC graduates will have a tough time getting funding...but the actual program will probably operate as usual

[jedc → vaksel]

Smart angels and VC's will certainly still be investing. I would guess they'd be looking more favorably at companies that have a clear business model, but they're always going to take chances on interesting ideas/technology/people.

[graemeklass]

We'll be still applying for the next round. If we put in the hard yards now, we will be in a great position when the economy picks up again.

[jdavid]

the money has to go somewhere, and alot of people are telling you to park it somewhere for 5 years. what better place is there to park some equity than in a new startup?

[MicahWedemeyer → jdavid]

Bullets and diesel fuel.

Hmm...there could be a startup idea in there somewhere...

[dangoldin → MicahWedemeyer]

Don't forget the alcohol. Supposedly alcohol was one of the few good investments during the Great Depression, despite Prohibition.

[Dilpil → dangoldin]

Despite, or because of?

[zandorg → Dilpil]

Then alcohol is legalised, so the market (Mafia) turns towards narcotic drugs...

[cstejerean → MicahWedemeyer]

Why diesel?

[bootload → cstejerean]

"... Why diesel? ..."

Easier to store. In diesel engines you get 2X the mileage per gal.

[nickb → bootload]

...and most of the military uses diesel engines for vehicles.

[agentbleu]

recessions are a great time to start up startups

[sundeep → agentbleu]

why?

[anamax → sundeep]

Because resources are cheaper and everyone else hunkers down and goes into "just survive" mode during a recession.