Jiga, a YC-backed startup (W21) building a B2B marketplace for industrial materials in Africa, is hiring full-stack engineers proficient in MongoDB, React, and Node.js. They're looking for individuals passionate about building a transformative product with significant real-world impact, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and eager to contribute to a rapidly growing company. Experience with Typescript and Next.js is a plus.
Roark, a Y Combinator-backed startup, launched a platform to simplify voice AI testing. It addresses the challenges of building and maintaining high-quality voice experiences by providing automated testing tools for conversational flows, natural language understanding (NLU), and speech recognition. Roark allows developers to create test cases, run them across different voice platforms (like Alexa and Google Assistant), and analyze results through a unified dashboard, ultimately reducing manual testing efforts and improving the overall quality and reliability of voice applications.
The Hacker News comments express skepticism and raise practical concerns about Roark's value proposition. Some question whether voice AI testing is a significant enough pain point to warrant a dedicated solution, suggesting existing tools and methods suffice. Others doubt the feasibility of effectively testing the nuances of voice interactions, like intent and emotion, expressing concern about automating such subjective evaluations. The cost and complexity of implementing Roark are also questioned, with some users pointing out the potential overhead and the challenge of integrating it into existing workflows. There's a general sense that while automated testing is valuable, Roark needs to demonstrate more clearly how it addresses the specific challenges of voice AI in a way that justifies its adoption. A few comments offer alternative approaches, like crowdsourced testing, and some ask for clarification on Roark's pricing and features.
Yhangry, a YC W22 startup offering private chef services for groups, is hiring for various roles. They're seeking talented individuals passionate about food and hospitality to join their growing team. Specifically, they're looking to fill engineering, operations, sales, and marketing positions. They emphasize a collaborative, fast-paced environment and the opportunity to build a disruptive brand within the food-tech industry. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the provided links regardless of specific experience matching the listed roles, as Yhangry prioritizes passion and drive.
The Hacker News comments are primarily focused on Yhangry's business model and the challenges it faces. Several commenters question the long-term viability of the "shared dining experience" for corporate catering, citing potential logistical issues, varying dietary needs, and the inherent awkwardness of forced socialization with coworkers. Some express skepticism about the target market's willingness to pay a premium for this service, particularly during economic downturns. Others suggest alternative business models like individual meal delivery or focusing on niche markets. There's also a brief discussion on the ethics and implications of sharing compensation information. Overall, the comments express a cautious curiosity about Yhangry, acknowledging the potential while also raising significant concerns about its scalability and market fit.
Artie, a YC S23 startup building AI-powered tools for game developers, is hiring a Business Operations Manager. This role will be responsible for a wide range of operational tasks, including sales operations, marketing operations, finance, and legal. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and adaptable, with experience in a fast-paced startup environment. They will work closely with the founders and play a key role in scaling the company's operations as it grows. Artie offers a competitive salary and equity, as well as the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
The Hacker News comments on the Artie job posting are sparse and don't offer much substantive discussion. Several commenters express skepticism about the high salary range ($180k-$220k) for a Business Operations role at a seed-stage startup, questioning the company's spending priorities. One commenter wonders if the role is mistitled and is actually for a more senior position like Head of Operations. Another questions the value proposition of Artie's AI-powered art generation tool, suggesting it's more of a novelty than a truly useful product. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious and somewhat critical perspective on the job posting and the company itself.
Empirical Health, a YC S23 startup building AI-powered tools for faster medical diagnoses, is hiring Design Engineers in NYC. They're looking for experienced engineers proficient in frontend development (React, Typescript) and familiar with design tools like Figma, with a passion for improving healthcare. Successful candidates will contribute to building intuitive interfaces for complex medical data, collaborating closely with clinicians and researchers to translate research into user-friendly products.
Hacker News users discussed the high salary ($200k-$250k) offered by Empirical Health for a Design Engineer, questioning its justification. Some argued the role seemed more like a traditional mechanical or manufacturing engineer focused on medical devices, not warranting the "Design Engineer" title often associated with software. Others pointed out the increasing prevalence of high salaries in the medical device field due to its demanding nature and regulatory hurdles. Several commenters debated the value of a Master's degree for the position, some suggesting experience might be more valuable, while others emphasized the importance of a strong theoretical foundation for medical device design. A few comments also mentioned the potential impact of YC funding on inflated salaries. Finally, some users highlighted the overall growth and opportunity within the medical device sector.
A0.dev is a newly launched React Native app generator built to streamline mobile development. It allows developers to quickly create fully functional React Native apps with pre-built features like authentication, navigation, and data storage, significantly reducing boilerplate coding. The generated codebase follows best practices, uses TypeScript, and is designed for easy customization and extension. A0.dev aims to simplify the initial setup and development process, allowing developers to focus on building core app features rather than infrastructure.
The Hacker News comments on A0.dev, a React Native app generator, are generally positive and intrigued. Several commenters express interest in the speed and ease of use, praising the low-code/no-code approach. Some question the long-term viability and flexibility compared to building from scratch, raising concerns about vendor lock-in and limitations when needing to customize beyond the provided templates. Others point out the potential benefits for rapid prototyping and MVP development. A few commenters share their experiences with similar tools, drawing comparisons and suggesting alternative solutions. There's a brief discussion around pricing and the target audience, with some feeling the pricing might be high for individual developers.
Fly.io, a platform for deploying and running applications globally, is seeking a Customer Support Director. This role will lead and build a world-class support team, focusing on developer experience and technical problem-solving. The ideal candidate has experience building and scaling support teams, preferably in a developer-focused company. They should be passionate about customer satisfaction and possess strong technical aptitude, although deep coding skills aren't required. The position is remote, but candidates located near the Eastern US time zone are preferred.
The Hacker News comments on the Fly.io Customer Support Director job posting are sparse. A few commenters express skepticism about the compensation being "competitive" without providing specific numbers. One commenter questions the remote-first policy, suggesting that distributed teams often struggle with support roles. Another notes the generally positive experience they've had with Fly.io's support, highlighting the quick response times. Finally, there's a brief exchange about the potential challenges of supporting a complex technical product. Overall, the discussion is limited and doesn't offer extensive insights into the job or the company's support practices.
Verse, a YC W22 startup building a social payments app designed for Gen Z, is hiring engineers. They're looking for engineers experienced with Go, Typescript/React Native, and mobile development. The company emphasizes a fast-paced, collaborative environment where engineers can have a significant impact on product development. They're open to both remote and in-person roles in Madrid and highlight the opportunity to work on a challenging and rewarding product aimed at disrupting the social payments landscape.
The Hacker News comments on the Verse (YC W22) hiring post are largely focused on the company's practice of exclusively using SMS for communication. Some users express skepticism about scaling this approach, citing potential limitations with group chats, international messaging costs, and user experience compared to established messaging apps. Others see potential benefits in its simplicity, especially for reaching users who may not have smartphones or data plans. Several commenters inquire about data privacy and security concerns related to SMS. There's also discussion about Verse's revenue model and how they plan to monetize the platform. Finally, some users express general interest in the company and its approach to social networking.
Roe AI, a YC W24 startup, is seeking a Founding Engineer to build AI-powered tools for reproductive health research and advocacy. The ideal candidate will have strong Python and data science experience, a passion for reproductive rights, and comfort working in a fast-paced, early-stage environment. Responsibilities include developing data pipelines, building statistical models, and creating user-facing tools. This role offers significant equity and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on an important social issue.
HN commenters discuss Roe AI's unusual name, given the sensitive political context surrounding "Roe v Wade," with some speculating it might hinder recruiting or international expansion. Several users question the startup's premise of building a "personalized AI copilot for everything," doubting its feasibility and expressing concerns about privacy implications. There's skepticism about the value proposition and whether this approach is genuinely innovative. A few commenters also point out the potentially high server costs associated with the "always-on" aspect of the AI copilot. Overall, the sentiment leans towards cautious skepticism about Roe AI's viability.
Hightouch, a Y Combinator-backed startup (S19), is seeking a Distributed Systems Engineer to work on their Reverse ETL (extract, transform, load) platform. They're building a system to sync data from data warehouses to SaaS tools, addressing the challenges of scale and real-time data synchronization. The ideal candidate will have experience with distributed systems, databases, and cloud infrastructure, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment. Hightouch offers a remote-first work culture with competitive compensation and benefits.
The Hacker News comments on the Hightouch (YC S19) job posting are sparse and mostly pertain to the interview process. One commenter asks about the technical interview process and expresses concern about "LeetCode-style" questions. Another shares their negative experience interviewing with Hightouch, citing a focus on system design questions they felt were irrelevant for a mid-level engineer role and a lack of feedback. A third commenter briefly mentions enjoying working at Hightouch. Overall, the comments offer limited insight beyond a few individual experiences with the company's interview process.
Reprompt, a YC W24 startup, is seeking a Founding AI Engineer to build their core location data infrastructure. This role involves developing and deploying machine learning models to process, clean, and enhance location data from various sources. The ideal candidate has strong experience in ML/AI, particularly with geospatial data, and is comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment. They will be instrumental in building a world-class location data platform and play a key role in shaping the company's technical direction.
HN commenters discuss the Reprompt job posting, focusing on the vague nature of the "world-class location data" and the lack of specifics about the product. Several express skepticism about the feasibility of accurately mapping physical spaces with AI, particularly given privacy concerns and existing solutions like Google Maps. Others question the startup's actual problem space, suggesting the job description is more about attracting talent than filling a specific need. The YC association is mentioned as both a positive and negative signal, with some seeing it as validation while others view it as a potential indicator of a premature venture. A few commenters suggest potential applications, such as improved navigation or augmented reality experiences, but overall the sentiment reflects uncertainty about Reprompt's direction and viability.
Svix, a webhooks service provider, is seeking a US-based remote Developer Marketer. This role involves creating technical content like blog posts, tutorials, and sample code to showcase Svix's capabilities and attract developers. The ideal candidate possesses strong writing and communication skills, a deep understanding of developer needs and preferences, and familiarity with webhooks and related technologies. Experience with content creation and developer communities is highly valued. This is a full-time position offering competitive salary and benefits.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism towards the "Developer Marketer" role advertised by Svix, questioning its purpose and practicality. Some saw it as a glorified content creator or technical writer, while others doubted the effectiveness of having developers handle marketing. A few commenters debated the merits of developer-focused marketing versus product-led growth, suggesting the former might be unnecessary if the product is truly excellent. The high salary range listed also drew attention, with some speculating it was influenced by Svix's Y Combinator backing and others arguing it reflects the difficulty of finding someone with the required skillset. Overall, the prevailing sentiment was one of cautious curiosity about the role's definition and potential success.
Karsa, a YC W25 startup, launched a platform for buying and saving stablecoins internationally. It aims to provide an easier way for people in emerging markets to access and hold USD-pegged stablecoins as a hedge against local currency volatility and inflation. The platform allows users to purchase stablecoins directly with their local currency through various payment methods, and then earn interest on their holdings. Karsa emphasizes a simple and accessible user experience, designed specifically for individuals in these markets who may be less familiar with cryptocurrencies.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the need for Karsa, questioning whether the problem it solves is significant enough, especially given existing solutions like Wise and Revolut. Some doubted the claim of cheaper and faster transfers, citing personal experience with these alternatives. Others questioned the regulatory landscape and potential legal hurdles for operating in multiple jurisdictions. A few commenters requested clarification on Karsa's specific advantages, particularly concerning fees and exchange rates, while some expressed interest in using the service for specific use cases like paying international employees. Overall, the comments reflected a cautious but curious attitude towards Karsa, with many seeking more information to assess its true value proposition.
Frigade, a Y Combinator W23 startup building developer tools for customer onboarding, is seeking its second engineer. This full-stack role will involve significant ownership and impact, working directly with the founders on core product development. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of experience and are proficient in TypeScript, React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL. Experience with developer tools and B2B SaaS is a plus. This is a fully remote position with competitive salary and equity.
The Hacker News comments on the Frigade job posting are sparse and mostly focused on the requested skillset. Some users question the necessity of proficiency in both React and Vue.js for a single role, suggesting it might indicate a lack of focus or evolving technical direction within the company. Others express interest in the position and company mission, while a few commenters offer feedback on the job description itself, proposing ways to make it more appealing or informative. One commenter highlights the unusual use of "engineer #2" in the title, speculating about its implications for the company's structure and potential employee experience. Overall, the discussion is limited and doesn't offer substantial insights beyond surface-level observations about the job posting.
SciPhi, a YC W24 startup, is seeking a Founding AI Research Engineer to build the "copilot for science." This role involves developing AI models for scientific discovery, potentially including tasks like designing experiments, analyzing data, and generating scientific text. Ideal candidates possess strong machine learning expertise, experience with large language models, and a passion for scientific advancement. This is a full-time, remote position offering significant equity and the opportunity to shape the future of scientific research.
HN commenters discuss SciPhi's job posting, expressing skepticism about the extremely broad required skillset, from AI research to frontend and backend development, devops, and even UI/UX design. Some speculate this signals a pre-seed stage startup looking for a "Swiss Army Knife" engineer to handle everything, which could be appealing to some but off-putting to specialists. Others question the feasibility of one person possessing such a diverse range of expertise at a high level. There's also debate on the appropriateness of requesting research publications for such a role and whether the compensation is competitive, given the demands. Several commenters highlight the high bar set by the requirements and the potential for burnout, while others see it as a great opportunity for a generalist to have a significant impact on a new company. The lack of specific research areas mentioned also draws some criticism, with commenters desiring more clarity on SciPhi's focus.
Sei, a Y Combinator-backed company building the fastest Layer 1 blockchain specifically designed for trading, is hiring a Full-Stack Engineer. This role will focus on building and maintaining core features of their trading platform, working primarily with TypeScript and React. The ideal candidate has experience with complex web applications, a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms, and a passion for the future of finance and decentralized technologies.
The Hacker News comments express skepticism and concern about the job posting. Several users question the extremely wide salary range ($140k-$420k), viewing it as a red flag and suggesting it's a ploy to attract a broader range of candidates while potentially lowballing them. Others criticize the emphasis on "GenAI" in the title, seeing it as hype-driven and possibly indicating a lack of focus. There's also discussion about the demanding requirements listed for a "full-stack" role, with some arguing that the expectations are unrealistic for a single engineer. Finally, some commenters express general wariness towards blockchain/crypto companies, referencing previous market downturns and questioning the long-term viability of Sei.
Intrinsic, a Y Combinator-backed (W23) robotics software company making industrial robots easier to use, is hiring. They're looking for software engineers with experience in areas like robotics, simulation, and web development to join their team and contribute to building a platform that simplifies robot programming and deployment. Specifically, they aim to make industrial robots more accessible to a wider range of users and businesses. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through their website.
The Hacker News comments on the Intrinsic (YC W23) hiring announcement are few and primarily focused on speculation about the company's direction. Several commenters express interest in Intrinsic's work with robotics and AI, but question the practicality and current state of the technology. One commenter questions the focus on industrial robotics given the existing competition, suggesting more potential in consumer robotics. Another speculates about potential applications like robot chefs or home assistants, while acknowledging the significant technical hurdles. Overall, the comments express cautious optimism mixed with skepticism, reflecting uncertainty about Intrinsic's specific goals and chances of success.
Trellis is a YC-backed startup building a platform to simplify and automate legal processes for startups, initially focusing on Delaware incorporations. They aim to make legal tasks like forming a company, issuing stock options, and managing cap tables as easy as possible, reducing the time and cost typically associated with these processes. Trellis is currently hiring engineers and designers to join their team.
Commenters on Hacker News express skepticism about the value proposition of Trellis, questioning whether automating social media for local businesses is truly a significant pain point. Some argue that the cost likely outweighs the benefits for small businesses, especially given existing free or low-cost scheduling tools. Others point out the difficulty in creating engaging, authentic social media content automatically, suggesting that genuine interaction is more effective than automated posts. The limited customization options within Trellis are also criticized. A few commenters offer alternative solutions like Buffer or Hootsuite, implying that Trellis doesn't offer enough differentiation to justify its existence. Finally, several commenters note the potential for abuse and spam if the platform isn't carefully managed.
HyperDX, a Y Combinator-backed company, is hiring engineers to build an open-source observability platform. They're looking for individuals passionate about open source, distributed systems, and developer tools to join their team and contribute to projects involving eBPF, Wasm, and cloud-native technologies. The roles offer the opportunity to shape the future of observability and work on a product used by a large community. Experience with Go, Rust, or C++ is desired, but a strong engineering background and a willingness to learn are key.
Hacker News users discuss HyperDX's open-source approach, questioning its viability given the competitive landscape. Some express skepticism about building a sustainable business model around open-source observability tools, citing the dominance of established players and the difficulty of monetizing such products. Others are more optimistic, praising the team's experience and the potential for innovation in the space. A few commenters offer practical advice regarding specific technologies and go-to-market strategies. The overall sentiment is cautious interest, with many waiting to see how HyperDX differentiates itself and builds a successful business.
Y Combinator (YC) announced their X25 batch, marking a return to pre-pandemic batch sizes with increased applicant capacity. This larger batch reflects growing interest in YC and a commitment to supporting more startups. Applications for X25, the Spring 2025 batch, open on November 27th, 2024 and close on January 8th, 2025. Selected companies will participate in the core YC program, receiving funding, mentorship, and resources. YC is particularly interested in AI, biotech, hard tech, and developer tools, although they welcome applications from all sectors. They emphasize their focus on global founders and the importance of the YC network for long-term success.
HN commenters largely expressed skepticism and criticism of YC's x25 program. Several questioned the program's value proposition, arguing that a 0.5% equity stake for $500k is a poor deal compared to alternative funding options, especially given the dilution from future rounds. Others doubted the program's ability to significantly accelerate growth for already successful companies, suggesting that the networking and mentorship aspects are less crucial at this stage. Some criticized YC for seemingly shifting focus away from early-stage startups, potentially signaling a bubble or desperation for returns. A few commenters, however, saw potential benefits, particularly for international companies seeking access to the US market and YC's network. Some also raised the point that YC's brand and resources might be particularly valuable for companies in highly regulated or difficult-to-navigate industries.
Peter Roberts, an immigration attorney working with Y Combinator and startups, hosted an AMA on Hacker News. He primarily addressed questions about visas for startup founders, including the O-1A visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, the E-2 treaty investor visa, and the H-1B visa for specialty occupations. He discussed the requirements and challenges associated with each visa, emphasizing the importance of a strong application with ample evidence of achievement. Roberts also touched on topics such as incorporating in the US, the process of obtaining a green card, and the difficulties international founders face when raising capital. He highlighted the complexities of US immigration law and offered general advice while encouraging individuals to seek personalized legal counsel.
Commenters on the "Ask Me Anything" with immigration attorney Peter Roberts largely focused on practical questions related to visas for startup founders and employees. Several inquiries revolved around the complexities of the O-1 visa, particularly regarding demonstrating extraordinary ability and the impact of prior visa denials. Others asked about alternatives like the E-2 treaty investor visa and the H-1B visa, including strategies for navigating the lottery system. A few commenters also discussed the broader challenges of US immigration policy and its impact on the tech industry, specifically the difficulty of attracting and retaining global talent. Some expressed frustration with the current system while others shared personal anecdotes about their immigration experiences.
CollectWise, a YC F24 startup building a platform for collectibles, is hiring a Founding Engineer. They're looking for a full-stack engineer proficient in React, Node.js, and PostgreSQL to help build their core product. This role involves significant ownership and impact on the company's technical direction and offers competitive salary and equity. Ideal candidates are passionate about collectibles, eager to work in a fast-paced startup environment, and have a strong bias for shipping quickly.
Several Hacker News commenters expressed skepticism about CollectWise's business model, questioning the viability of selling directly to collectors and the potential market size. Some commenters also pointed out the competitive landscape, noting existing players in the collectibles management space. A few users inquired about technical details like the tech stack and the nature of the "founding engineer" role. There was a brief discussion around the valuation of collectibles and the challenges of accurate pricing. Overall, the comments reflected a cautious interest in the company, with many seeking further clarification on its strategy and target market.
Spellbrush, a Y Combinator-backed (W18) game studio, is hiring game programmers to work on their anime-inspired tactical RPG. They're seeking experienced programmers proficient in C# and Unity, ideally with a passion for strategy RPGs and anime aesthetics. Remote work is possible, with a preference for candidates located in US time zones. The company offers competitive salaries, equity, and benefits.
The Hacker News comments on the Spellbrush job posting are few and primarily focus on the company's unusual name. Several commenters express confusion or amusement, questioning if the name is a typo or a deliberate choice. One commenter suggests the name sounds more suitable for a children's app than a tactical RPG. Another questions the market viability of a tactics RPG, particularly in relation to established entries like Fire Emblem. There's a brief discussion about the potential of AI in game development, spurred by Spellbrush's mention of AI tools. Overall, the comments are brief and speculative, lacking in-depth discussion about the company or the job posting itself.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43088567
HN commenters discuss Jiga's unusual hiring approach, which emphasizes learning MongoDB, React, and Node.js after being hired. Some express skepticism, questioning the practicality of training experienced engineers in specific technologies and the potential for attracting less qualified candidates. Others are more optimistic, viewing it as a refreshing alternative to the overemphasis on specific tech stacks in typical job postings, potentially opening opportunities for talented individuals with strong fundamentals but lacking specific framework experience. The discussion also touches on the potential for lower salaries due to the training aspect and the overall cost-effectiveness of this hiring strategy for Jiga. Several commenters share personal anecdotes of successfully transitioning to new technologies on the job, suggesting that Jiga's approach could be viable.
The Hacker News post discussing Jiga's hiring of Mongo/React/Node engineers generated a modest amount of discussion, with a focus on the compensation offered and the nature of the work.
One commenter questioned the salary range of $80k-$120k, considering it low for a YC-backed company, particularly for experienced engineers in a high-cost-of-living area. They speculated whether the company might be based outside a major tech hub, thus explaining the lower salary band. This spurred a discussion about salary expectations and the potential trade-offs between working for a well-funded startup versus a more established company.
Another user expressed concern about the advertised “impactful” work on “global issues” related to industrial supply chains. They voiced skepticism about the actual impact a single engineer could have in such a complex field, suggesting it might be overstated marketing language. They also questioned whether the work would genuinely involve tackling significant global challenges or primarily focus on internal tooling and optimization. This prompted a brief exchange with another commenter who argued that such work could indeed be impactful, even if indirectly, by improving efficiency and transparency within the industry.
A separate comment focused on the required experience level. The commenter observed that the listing seemed targeted towards less experienced engineers given the specified range. They wondered whether this indicated a preference for junior developers or simply reflected the budgetary constraints of an early-stage startup.
Finally, one comment simply mentioned having interviewed with the company previously. They did not provide further details about their experience, leaving it open to interpretation whether it was positive or negative.
While the number of comments is limited, they touch on important considerations for potential applicants, such as salary expectations, the true nature of the work, and the company's stage of development. The comments reflect a healthy skepticism and a desire for more clarity regarding the advertised opportunity.