Billions From building a multi-billion dollar company to General Partner at the world’s top startup incubator
Dec 28, 2025
Nicolas Dessaigne, the visionary behind Algolia and now a General Partner at Y Combinator, shares his journey of leaving a billion-dollar company to guide the next generation of startups. He discusses the importance of founder liquidity and the unique insights that come from stepping back. Listeners learn about YC's distinctive investment strategies, how to identify future unicorns, and the profound impact of AI, including its potential to reshape jobs and learning. His thoughts on robotics and the ongoing model wars add a thrilling layer to the conversation.
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Leaving Algolia To Reclaim Family Time
- Nicolas Dessaigne explains he hired a new CEO after Series C and then chose to leave to spend time with family.
- He says the board role felt powerless compared to being CEO and leaving improved his family life without regrets.
Ask Why Before Leaving Your Startup
- Ask yourself why you want to leave: burnout or belief someone else can do better.
- If burnout, get help or leave; if you think others can out-Found you, remember founders usually have the longest-term instincts.
Use Secondary Sales To De-Risk Early
- Take secondary rounds from Series B onward to de-risk personal finances and buy things like a house.
- Nicolas sold small slices each round and donated much of it via the Founders Pledge.