Didn't get into YC? Rejection doesn't define your potential.
Great companies aren't built by acceptance letters, but by persistent founders who keep building regardless.
These companies were all rejected by YC, yet went on to achieve remarkable success
Email delivery platform went public, then acquired for $2 billion
Visit WebsiteAI-powered project management tool. Rejected W23, now at $50K MRR with 2,000 paying customers. Raised $1.5M seed after rejection.
YC rejected us in S24. Six months later, we hit $100K ARR bootstrapped. Sometimes rejection is the best motivation.
Rejected by YC W22. Pivoted, found PMF, and got acquired by a healthcare unicorn for 8 figures in 2024.
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