
YC demo day valuation tensions, how VCs can find gems, Substack's performance & more | E1716
About this episode
Jason breaks down the valuation tension surrounding YC demo days (2:36), how to get better prices on YC-equivalent startups (8:59), Garry Tan's response to complaints (15:18), and more! Then, Jason reacts to a law firm's leaked expectations list that went viral (29:29) before wrapping with some thoughts about Substack (41:59).
(0:00) Jason tees up Friday's topics!
(2:36) Understanding the valuation tension of YC's demo day; why some investors resent YC
(8:59) Jason's three ways to avoid overpaying for YC startups
(13:56) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(15:18) Garry Tan's response to demo day valuation complaints; Harry Stebbings and Garry Tan's back and forth on valuations/expectations
(24:07) Linode - Apply to Linode's Rise program for a $500 credit and up to six figures in discounts at https://linode.com/twist
(25:34) How startups that got accepted into YC can cold email top VCs to raise pre-demo day
(29:29) Jason reacts to a law firm's leaked expectations list that went viral
(36:13) QuickNode - Get one month free by using code TWIST at https://go.quicknode.com/twist
(37:25) Reactions to the viral expectations list
(41:59) Substack publishes 2021 gross revenue, net loss, and cash on hand and Jason breaks down the company's position
Email your pitch deck to [email protected] if you were rejected by YC and want to meet with the LAUNCH team!
Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
Get every episode summarized
Each time This Week in Startups publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from This Week in Startups

Dr. Mark Hyman on Function Health & GLP-1 microdosing | E2334
This Week in Startups

Becki DeGraw on spinouts, IP licensing & clean exits | Wilson Sonsini Startup Le...
This Week in Startups

VC experts on why Physical AI funding is heating up | E2333
This Week in Startups
Are AI Agents forming "civilizations" or is this just a psy op? | 2332
This Week in Startups