This Week in Startups

Breaking down Ryan Breslow's YC critique + Spotify's solution & Joe Rogan's response | E1374

Feb 1, 2022
Ryan Breslow harshly critiques Y Combinator, questioning its value to founders and discussing his recent leadership transition at Bolt. The conversation highlights issues surrounding startup fundraising and the emotional ties within startup dynamics. Meanwhile, Joe Rogan addresses backlash over his COVID-related content, prompting a discussion on Spotify's new policies and their implications for the platform. The complexities of content responsibility in podcasting also surface, emphasizing the need for accuracy in an age of misinformation.
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ANECDOTE

Breslow's Departure

  • Ryan Breslow's YC critique thread and subsequent stepping down from Bolt CEO.
  • Jason Calacanis believes board members suggested Breslow step down due to stress, not forced him out.
INSIGHT

YC's Equity Stake

  • Ryan Breslow argues Y Combinator's model, taking 10-14% equity, is predatory.
  • Jason Calacanis counters that someone will own that equity regardless, and YC's brand adds value.
ADVICE

Evaluating YC's Value Proposition

  • Consider if YC's 7% equity cost outweighs the increased valuation and fundraising ease.
  • The additional 375k investment is at market rate, not the discounted 7% rate.
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