Q I was not convinced that this is, that this is going to work given the current strategy. Um, you're not, you shouldn't say, I think, You're a bad founder. Would not say that. Um, but I think there's ways that you can convey that you just were not convinced in an honest way. Because that's basic, if the team cannot convince you, I mean, how do you say this, Jeff?
A Yeah, I think this is, that's actually a great, and one of the hardest questions. We actually struggle this with YC all the time, because sometimes we interview people, and we think it's a great idea, but we just don't believe in the founders. And it's the last thing you want to tell someone. One, because you might be wrong, and you know, you shouldn't stab someone in the heart. Two, because it's not a good interaction, right? And let's just keep in mind though, there are always a million reasons not to invest in a company. Most companies will fail, and it's a lack of your own imagination if you can't come up with a reason why you're not Believing in their version of the future. And that's what you should, that's what you should communicate to them. I, I think the, the bottom line is, every interaction with the founder should be as helpful to the founder as it possibly can be. And if you can't be helpful, then just don't say it. But if you can, if you can find some way to help them, even if the real reason is not that, so much that, but it's still valid, I would use that. There's always something.
AI assessment note: “find some way to help them, even if the real reason is not that”