Episode #57: Founder update signals, AI is a bubble and that's good and bad, YC's call to build "fundable" companies
This week on The Learning Corner by Precursor, Mia Farnham and Charles Hudson dive into three thought-provoking reads shaking up the venture ecosystem: First, we break down Ben Zises’ take on why consistent founder updates may signal future success — and why that doesn’t always align with our own portfolio data. Next, we explore M.G. Siegler’s “Hey, There’s a Bubble” and what today’s AI funding frenzy reveals about hype cycles, economic dissonance, and the uneasy optimism baked into bubbles. Finally, we unpack Kyle Harrison’s “Build What’s Fundable” and its take on YC’s shifting tone, consensus capital, and the rising prevalence of ‘slop startups’—and what it means for early-stage builders trying to think independently in a world that rewards conformity.
Key Points
- Consistent written updates from founders are often seen as a leading indicator of future success, but some successful founders stop sending them due to leaks or lack of investor feedback.
- The current AI funding bubble is widely acknowledged, yet both large tech companies and startups continue to participate, leveraging the enthusiasm to drive technological growth.
- Y Combinator's shift towards consensus-driven ideas reflects broader venture capital trends and highlights the challenge of balancing innovation with market demands.
Chapters
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Transcript
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