Reddit was founded by the speaker, Alexis, and his co-founder Steve Huffman.

What is Y Combinator?

Y Combinator is an organization that runs Startup School and helps early-stage founders by providing insights and support, historically encouraging participation.

How many Y Combinator companies are based in New York?

At the time of this event in 2014, there were 28 Y Combinator companies based in New York.

What are the advantages of starting a company in New York compared to Silicon Valley?

The speaker argues that New York offers better food, a better quality of life, and is one of the greatest cities in the world, making it an attractive place for companies to grow after their time in the Silicon Valley Network.

What is the current state of entrepreneurship?

The speaker notes that entrepreneurship is alive and well, with students actively building, learning, and coding, a level of energy that was less prevalent nine years prior.

How has technology changed entrepreneurship?

In the internet age, changing the world no longer requires a factory; one simply needs to open a laptop, representing a significant shift and opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Key Moments

Introduction at Startup School NY 2014

Y Combinator

Science & Technology3 min read5 min video

Jun 20, 2014|18,204 views|81|1

Alexis Ohanian Y Combinator Startup School

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Startup School is coming to NYC for the first time, highlighting a growing entrepreneurial spirit, but attendees are choosing it over the World Cup, prompting questions about their priorities.

Key Insights

This marks the first Startup School held in New York City, an event that Y Combinator 'was just begging people to come and show up' for in its early days (2005).

Alexis Ohanian sees entrepreneurship 'alive and well' among students, having witnessed this firsthand during an 80-university tour.

There are now 28 Y Combinator companies based in New York City, with founders returning to the city after completing the YC program in Silicon Valley.

The internet age has fundamentally changed entrepreneurship, allowing individuals to 'change the world' with just a laptop rather than needing to open a factory.

Historic first Startup School in New York City

Alexis Ohanian welcomes attendees to the very first Startup School hosted in New York City, an event he describes as 'amazing, one-of-a-kind, unparalleled.' He expresses personal connection to the city, being from Brooklyn and acknowledging attendees from other boroughs like the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Ohanian notes the significant effort made by some attendees who have traveled from outside New York to be present, emphasizing the global appeal and importance of this gathering. The event represents a milestone for Y Combinator, which historically held its Startup Schools elsewhere, signifying the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in NYC. This inaugural event in New York underscores the expansion and increasing significance of startup culture beyond traditional tech hubs.

The origins and philosophy of Startup School

Ohanian shares his personal experience with the very first Startup School in 2005, alongside his co-founder Steve Huffman, just before they launched Reddit. He characterizes the early days of Y Combinator as 'begging people to come and show up,' illustrating how novel the concept of supporting early-stage founders through peer insights and practical advice was at the time. The core philosophy, then as now, is to connect founders with those who have navigated the startup journey, offering an 'approachable' and 'helpful' form of guidance. Crucially, YC seeks to bring together individuals 'doing it,' actively building companies, rather than 'scenesters' merely talking about entrepreneurship. This emphasis on active participation creates a unique and valuable audience, where attendees can learn as much from each other during breaks as from the speakers on stage.

A vibrant and dedicated entrepreneurial community

Ohanian points out the dedication of the attendees who chose Startup School over the World Cup, a testament to their commitment to entrepreneurship. He jokingly questions their priorities but ultimately affirms that they are 'the right kind of Founders.' This highlights a key aspect of the entrepreneurial spirit: a willingness to sacrifice immediate enjoyment for long-term goals and learning opportunities. The presence of 28 Y Combinator companies now based in New York, including companies like Amicus, Hacker School, One Month, Rails, Vable, Rent Hop, Weave, Rocket, and Trip, further illustrates the thriving startup scene in the city. These companies often participate in the YC program in Silicon Valley for three months before returning to New York, drawn by the city's superior quality of life and its own unique advantages. Ohanian expresses pride in this growing local network and the talent it attracts over the valley.

The modern entrepreneurial landscape

Reflecting on his recent 80-university tour across the US and Canada, Ohanian emphasizes that entrepreneurship is 'alive and well' among students. He contrasts this current energy with his own undergraduate experience nine years prior, where such a supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs was virtually non-existent. He confidently asserts that many individuals in the audience are destined to achieve 'amazing world-changing things.' Ohanian stresses the importance of being kind to everyone and seizing the present moment, highlighting the incredible opportunities available today. The modern economy, powered by technology, has democratized the ability to create and innovate. In the internet age, changing the world no longer requires massive infrastructure like opening a factory; it simply requires opening a laptop. This fundamental shift makes this era particularly auspicious for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Common Questions

Startup School NY 2014 is the first iteration of this event held in New York City, focused on providing insights to early-stage founders from peers and experienced individuals.