In interesting read about the popular Xobni add in product for Outlook. It provides in insight into what/how/why Xobni was created, and their steps taken for funding.
http://gigaom.com/2008/05/11/xobni-our-path-from-wrong-product-to-killer-app/
and also why Xobni walked away from a Microsoft deal…
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/04/30/xobni-walks-away-from-a-microsoft-deal/
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Published in: News
I can probably state in one word the primary message that I draw from this–’Y-Combinator’. They started with Y-Combinator at Xobni. When you get a group of smart people, and sufficient funding to act on ideas, together, ‘wonderful things’ tend to happen. With good people to bounce ideas off of, course corrections such as Xobni made are likely to come naturally. However these ‘wonderful things’ will be different at different stages–not the same now as in 2006. Y-Combinator has made a strong commitment to getting those smart people and money together–maybe not a lot of money in Y-Combinator’s case, but enough to get a lot of good people together in the same room and talking and discussing ideas.
Yes.. the old Y-Combinator has cropped up a few times on my radar in the last few weeks. Khosla ventures were obviously “ok” with getting into the deal along with Y-Combinator.. although I guess how much would the founders actually get? but then again, money isn’t necessarily everything.. a reasonable amount for a first venture would be good, and the experience would be very useful. So.. I guess the same conclusion!