Geoff Ralston and Tim Brady, YC partners and Imagine K12 founders, hosted a Twitter chat and AMA on r/entrepreneur last week to answer questions from edtech startups applying to YC. Here are the highlights below:
1. The criteria for being accepted into YC or IK12 haven’t changed.
The criteria for being accepted into YC or ik12 haven’t changed. We look for capable, passionate and determined teams #YCIK12
— Imagine K12 (@imaginek12) March 9, 2016
@edsplor @imaginek12 @ycombinator Yes. We will work with the edtech companies in the batch and bring IK12 programming to them. #YCIK12
— Geoff Ralston (@gralston) March 9, 2016
@shitgautamsays By joining with YC we are convinced we will give our edtech startups the very best chance to scale and succeed. #YCIK12
— Geoff Ralston (@gralston) March 9, 2016
2. We work with edtech startups that are considering all kinds of revenue models: freemium, direct-to-schools, parents, or otherwise.
@Chris_Howard_21 Yes, we work with companies at all different stages. We have worked with several Cos making that transition. #YCIK12
— Imagine K12 (@imaginek12) March 9, 2016
3. We work with edtech startups that serve the entire spectrum of the learning process (pre-K, K-12, post-secondary, life-long learning) and any geographical market (US and International).
@CaitlinMarlotte We focus on great teams with great ideas. We aren’t limited to just the classroom. #YCIK12
— Imagine K12 (@imaginek12) March 9, 2016
@eduardocomcafe We don’t know the Brazilian edu mkt as well as US edu mkt. But most of the startup and edu advice still applies #YCIK12
— Imagine K12 (@imaginek12) March 9, 2016
4. We think big about the market size and the opportunity for edtech startups and non-profits.
@edsplor @imaginek12 Yes, VC’s are looking for big multiples.For np cos we are looking for outsize impact. We think scale not gap. #YCIK12.
— Geoff Ralston (@gralston) March 9, 2016
@pushcoin Our cos have raised >$200m. The edtech vertical is increasingly attractive to investors and we intend to help this trend! #YCIK12
— Geoff Ralston (@gralston) March 9, 2016
5. And some final application tips.
@Chris_Howard_21 There is no pre-determined number of edtech cos. We will accept all the companies that meet the bar. #YCIK12
— Imagine K12 (@imaginek12) March 9, 2016
For a more comprehensive look at the conversations, visit the archived Twitter chat and Reddit AMA.
The application deadline for the Summer 2016 batch is March 24. Apply now.
Good luck edtech applicants, hope to see you at interviews!
