Y Combinator Startup Podcast

Jeremy Rossmann, co-founder of Make School—a project-based computer science college in San Francisco—discusses the innovative education landscape. He shares how Make School's model ties tuition to job placement, offering students real stakes in their learning. The conversation dives into fostering self-directed learning in tech, challenges of traditional education, and the future of degree systems. They also explore income share agreements and their potential to reshape college financing, emphasizing the importance of practical skills for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Tracy Young, the Co-founder and CEO of PlanGrid—a mobile construction productivity software company—shares her journey from construction engineer to tech entrepreneur. She discusses the inspiration behind PlanGrid and the importance of a strong founding team. Tracy also opens up about the challenges of hiring and the need for skill diversity in startups. Balancing work and wellness is highlighted, especially as she navigates parenting and leadership. With insights on scaling and authentic leadership, Tracy's story is both inspiring and relatable.

Simone Giertz, the 'Queen of Shitty Robots,' is a robotics enthusiast and popular YouTuber known for her quirky inventions. In this conversation, she reveals how she maintained passion while navigating the challenges of content creation and product design. Simone shares her personal journey of coping with a brain tumor and the invaluable support from her community. She discusses the importance of allowing herself creative freedom and the wisdom gained from balancing humor and seriousness, making for a candid and enlightening discussion.

Michael Babineau, co-founder and CEO of Second Measure, discusses how they analyze credit card transactions for real-time consumer insights. He shares the inspiration behind their startup, the importance of self-service analytics, and how investors leverage their data platform for informed decision-making. Kevin Hale, a partner at Y Combinator and co-founder of Wufoo, sheds light on the evolution of market research, subscription models like Peloton and Stitch Fix, and the need for skilled data scientists who think critically. Together, they highlight trends in consumer behavior and the complexities of working with financial data.

Vidit Aatrey, co-founder and CEO of Meesho, discusses how his platform empowers local entrepreneurs in India to resell products using social media. He shares insights on the macro trends favoring social commerce and the importance of trust within communities. Vidit reveals transformative stories of women entrepreneurs and how affordable internet access shapes consumer behavior. The conversation also touches on balancing growth with quality and the unique challenges of competing against giants like Facebook and Amazon.

Chris Best, CEO of Substack, and Jonathan Gill, CEO of Backtracks, delve into the future of paid content versus advertising in the podcasting landscape. They question if advertisers are overpaying and discuss the potential for newsletters to replace social networks. The pair emphasizes the importance of effective audience measurement, the rise of personalized educational podcasts, and how creators can enhance engagement. Plus, they share valuable growth strategies for both newsletters and podcasts in a competitive digital environment.

Brian Halligan, co-founder and CEO of HubSpot, and Kevin Hale, partner at Y Combinator and co-founder of Wufoo, dive deep into the intersection of introversion and entrepreneurship. Halligan shares his strategies for balancing his introverted nature while managing a public company. They discuss the evolution of inbound marketing and how the internet empowers small businesses. Insights into pricing strategies, the freemium model, and the importance of strong co-founding relationships highlight their entrepreneurial journeys.

Jarvis Johnson, a former software engineer at major tech companies and now a successful YouTuber, discusses the transition from tech to full-time content creation. He shares insights on balancing creativity and audience expectations, along with personal growth from his time managing teams. The conversation touches on the power of improv in professional environments and the responsibilities creators have towards their audiences. Jarvis also reflects on the complexities of producing engaging content while maintaining authenticity in the tech industry.

Harry Zhang, co-founder of Lob, a company transforming physical mail through APIs, joins Kevin Hale, a Y Combinator partner, to dive deep into the startup world. They discuss Lob's unique origins and early challenges, from securing their first big customer to navigating pricing strategies. The duo also tackles the competitive landscape for tech talent, exploring how to attract top engineers. Insights on equity compensation and lessons learned from early sales experiences round out a conversation rich with practical advice for aspiring founders.

Max Rhodes, co-founder and CEO of Faire, discusses his journey from Square to revolutionizing wholesale with Faire, a platform connecting retailers with unique merchandise. He shares insights on adapting to the changing landscape for small businesses and the importance of product-market fit. Max delves into leadership challenges, the power of early hires, and strategic fundraising tips. Anu Hariharan adds her perspective as a YC partner, providing valuable advice on building strong teams and navigating the chaotic startup environment.