Female Founders Conference - New York

Applause and Opening Remarks15:14

[Applause at 15:14, 15:31, 16:01]. Hi everyone, good afternoon. Nice and cool inside, thank goodness. Lived in New York more than 20 years ago; this brings back summers on the subway, so hot. Thank you for braving the heatwave on a Saturday afternoon. Excited; fifth year of Female Founders Conference, first time in New York.

Jessica Livingston Introduction and Y Combinator Origins16:30

I'm Jessica Livingston, co-founded Y Combinator (YC), the first accelerator. In 2005, unusual; regarded as irrelevant in Silicon Valley. YC began with hypothesis people wanted; they did, grew. Funded more than 1,800 startups, total value over $100 billion.

Having been through startup journey, wanted to tell my story. Media impression: contribution is being Paul Graham's wife; love being his wife, but more to the story.

Personal Background and Childhood18:00

Born Minneapolis 1971; mother left home later that year. Father took me to Boston to live with grandmother during week while he worked, with dad on weekends. Grandmother most important female role model: independent, free spirit. Built giant ice sculptures in front yard after putting me to bed; did what she wanted, didn't care if unconventional.

Despite no mother, happy childhood. Dad sacrificed for great education, constantly encouraged. Played soccer young; 9th grade away game at Philips Academy Andover, decided to go there.

Andover Experience and Dark Ages19:30

At old school, big fish in small pond: straight A student, good at sports. At Andover fall 1986, everyone straight A and good at sports; discouraged, gave up. Mediocre student, nothing impressive for next decade: personal Dark Ages, embarrassing but important to mention.