Paul Graham on a key person at Y-Combinator, Jessica Livingston, and why she hasn’t gotten much attention. Paul also touches on culture and personality of startups and founders.
A few months ago an article about Y Combinator said that early on it had been a “one-man show.” It’s sadly common to read that sort of thing. But the problem with that description is not just that it’s unfair. It’s also misleading. Much of what’s most novel about YC is due to Jessica Livingston. If you don’t understand her, you don’t understand YC. So let me tell you a little about Jessica.