Uncapped with Jack Altman
Uncapped #7 | Garry Tan from Y Combinator
Apr 17, 2025
Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator and a prominent figure in early-stage startups, discusses his journey from co-founding Posterous to leading one of the most influential startup accelerators. He shares insights on running YC like a founder and the evolving landscape of startups influenced by AI. Garry highlights the importance of empathy in successful leadership and the rise of compound startups. He also touches on the role of YC in hard tech and his engagement in local politics to address community challenges.
46:26
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Quick takeaways
- Garry Tan emphasizes the importance of a zero-based accounting approach at Y Combinator to prioritize agility and focus on core success factors.
- The podcast discusses Y Combinator's commitment to fostering innovation in hard tech, highlighting the need for specialized support for founders in this sector.
Deep dives
Embracing Zero-Based Accounting for YC
The approach of implementing zero-based accounting within Y Combinator allows for starting fresh without the encumbrances of prior practices. This mindset enables the organization to prioritize what truly matters for its success, resulting in a more agile and focused methodology. The concept is compared to gardening, where prudent pruning is necessary to nurture growth and ensure fruitful outcomes. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong culture by carefully selecting hires, promotions, and even terminations to align with the intended vision.
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