Humble Bundle Founder Reflects on Venture Capital Challenges and Calls for Y Combinator's Return to Gaming
By
spacemarine1
Slow-proofed and worth the wait. Worth its weight in flour.
Summary
The article recounts the author's experience with Humble Bundle, from bootstrapping through Y Combinator to raising venture capital from Sequoia Capital and eventual acquisition by Ziff Davis/IGN. The narrative focuses on the challenges of working with venture capital firms, particularly Sequoia's reputation for being difficult and potentially replacing founders. The author contrasts this with the supportive approach of Y Combinator founders Paul Graham and Jessica Livingston, making a plea for their return to help the games industry navigate the current challenging investment climate.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledYou raised from Sequoia and survived? They are the hardest investors to work with… known for replacing founders and growing their businesses without them if need be.
We Need You Paul Graham and Jessica Livingston! Sincerely, The Games Industry
I recounted bootstrapping our way through Humble Indie Bundle 2, graduating from Y Combinator (W11), raising a Series A with Sequoia Capital
after seven years and 200+ million dollars raised for charity (now $274M lifetime) we were successfully acquired by Ziff Davis who owns IGN
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