Jesus Christ people. Give it a break. I hate this Reddit post. You're not going to build the next Apple today by making your first product a full fledged competitive modern computer.
Remember that Microsoft started with a BASIC interpreter. Apple themselves started with a niche computer back then that sold to less 500 hobbyists at a hobbyist computer shop. The next Apple would also have to build something extremely niche that no one is paying attention to. Something like this.
It’s not a knock on the product but moreso on ycombinator. It’s questioning why such a product is being funded (at least at this stage when it’s so niche and only available on mac) and if there’s a bigger issue in the ycombinator system funding “trivial” startups
The other side of the coin could be they’re getting funded because yc likes the founders :)
If you want a crazy win, then you have to invest in some crazy things. Crazy simple also makes sense.
YC is doing what they were created to do. To invest in extremely early stage startups no one is willing to bet on. But maybe their product is questioning a fundamental assumption that is outdated that has not been thrown out yet, given current technological advances. Who knows.
You could be right on founders. Founders are hungry people. If there is one thing I've learned in my short time on Earth is do not underestimate hungry people.
I don't understand why people hate on calendar apps so much. They are also not there yet.
My definition of an ideal calendar app is it would set the meetings I need for the right amount of time with the right people. It will obtain theoretical correct schedule S that maximizes my happiness and satisfaction on earth.
The design space is huge. Maybe cutting edge tech can help us get closer to the scheduler that we all need.
This isn’t a calendar app. It’s a toolbar menu that shows your daily schedule for $10/ month. Anyone could build this in a day. Apple could easily add it as a native feature.
It’s comical that it even exists, and absurd that it’s received funding.
YC cares more about funding people/teams rather than specific products. The people are what drives the growth of a successful company in the long run, not their very first product.
You are absolutely right, and personally, I'm a huge fan of these tiny niche products that do one thing really well. However, ask yourself this: is the next Apple applying (or going to apply) to YC? My guess is probably not.
Or if the next Apple did, would YC know it’s the next Apple? I’m sure there are companies rejected by YC due to ignorance of the business line or the reverse, ego blinding the reviewers.
It’s too early in the morning to yell. If you disagree with the OP, then calmly explain your disagreements with the post and cite sources if needed.
Edit: From the HN guidelines [0]
> In Comments: Be kind. Don't be snarky. Have curious conversation; don't cross-examine. Please don't fulminate. Please don't sneer, including at the rest of the community.
Remember that Microsoft started with a BASIC interpreter. Apple themselves started with a niche computer back then that sold to less 500 hobbyists at a hobbyist computer shop. The next Apple would also have to build something extremely niche that no one is paying attention to. Something like this.