Exa Laboratories, a YC S24 startup, is seeking a founding engineer to develop AI-specific hardware. They're building chips optimized for large language models and generative AI, focusing on reducing inference costs and latency. The ideal candidate has experience with hardware design, ideally with a background in ASIC or FPGA development, and a passion for AI. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape the future of AI hardware.
The Forecasting Company, a Y Combinator (S24) startup, is seeking a Founding Machine Learning Engineer to build their core forecasting technology. This role will involve developing and implementing novel time series forecasting models, working with large datasets, and contributing to the company's overall technical strategy. Ideal candidates possess strong machine learning and software engineering skills, experience with time series analysis, and a passion for building innovative solutions. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing startup focused on revolutionizing forecasting.
HN commenters discuss the broad scope of the job posting for a founding ML engineer at The Forecasting Company. Some question the lack of specific problem areas mentioned, wondering if the company is still searching for its niche. Others express interest in the stated collaborative approach and the opportunity to shape the technical direction. Several commenters point out the potentially high impact of accurate forecasting in various fields, while also acknowledging the inherent difficulty and potential pitfalls of such a venture. A few highlight the YC connection as a positive signal. Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of curiosity, skepticism, and cautious optimism regarding the company's prospects.
Unsloth AI, a Y Combinator Summer 2024 company, is hiring machine learning engineers. They're building a platform to help businesses automate tasks using large language models (LLMs), focusing on areas underserved by current tools. They're looking for engineers with strong Python and ML/deep learning experience, preferably with experience in areas like LLMs, transformers, or prompt engineering. The company emphasizes a fast-paced, collaborative environment and offers competitive salary and equity.
The Hacker News comments are generally positive about Unsloth AI and its mission to automate tedious data tasks. Several commenters express interest in the technical details of their approach, asking about specific models used and their performance compared to existing solutions. Some skepticism is present regarding the feasibility of truly automating complex data tasks, but the overall sentiment leans towards curiosity and cautious optimism. A few commenters also discuss the hiring process and company culture, expressing interest in working for a smaller, mission-driven startup like Unsloth AI. The YC association is mentioned as a positive signal, but doesn't dominate the discussion.
CEO Simulator: Startup Edition is a browser-based simulation game where players take on the role of a startup CEO. You manage resources like cash, morale, and ideas, making decisions across departments such as marketing, engineering, and sales. The goal is to navigate the challenges of running a startup, balancing competing priorities and striving for a successful exit, either through acquisition or an IPO. The game features randomized events that force quick thinking and strategic adaptation, offering a simplified but engaging experience of the pressures and triumphs of the startup world.
HN commenters generally found the CEO Simulator simplistic but fun for a short time. Several pointed out the unrealistic aspects of the game, like instantly hiring hundreds of engineers and the limited scope of decisions. Some suggested improvements, including more complex financial modeling, competitive dynamics, and varied employee personalities. A common sentiment was that the game captured the "feeling" of being overwhelmed as a CEO, even if the mechanics were shallow. A few users compared it favorably to other similar games and praised its clean UI. There was also a brief discussion about the challenges of representing startup life accurately in a game format.
Converge, a YC S23 startup, is seeking its second engineer to join their New York City team. They are building a platform to automate the creation and management of financial models, primarily for private equity and venture capital. The ideal candidate is a full-stack engineer proficient in Javascript/Typescript and interested in FinTech. Experience with React, Node.js, and cloud platforms like AWS is preferred, but a strong foundation and a desire to learn are highly valued. Converge offers competitive salary and equity, alongside the opportunity to shape the technical direction of a rapidly growing company.
Commenters on Hacker News discuss Converge's early stage and the implications for a potential engineer #2. Several express concerns about joining such a young company, highlighting the risks associated with its unproven business model and the significant influence a single engineer could have, which could be both exciting and potentially overwhelming. Others question the NYC location choice given Converge's focus on construction, a sector not traditionally associated with New York. Some commenters see the posting as a positive sign, suggesting it indicates Converge has secured initial funding and is progressing. A few users express interest in learning more about the company's tech stack. Overall, the sentiment is cautiously curious, with many waiting to see more evidence of Converge's viability before considering it a serious opportunity.
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.
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.
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.
LangTurbo offers a new approach to language learning by focusing on rapid vocabulary acquisition. It uses spaced repetition and personalized learning paths to help users quickly learn the most frequent words and phrases in a target language. The platform features interactive exercises, progress tracking, and aims to make language learning faster and more efficient than traditional methods. It emphasizes practical communication skills, promising to equip learners with the vocabulary needed for everyday conversations and basic fluency.
HN users discuss LangTurbo, a language learning platform incorporating AI. Several commenters express skepticism about the claimed efficacy of AI in language learning, particularly regarding pronunciation correction and personalized feedback. Some find the pricing concerning, especially for users outside the US. Others question the platform's novelty, comparing it to existing tools like Duolingo and Anki. A few express interest in trying the platform but remain cautious, desiring more evidence of its effectiveness beyond marketing claims. Overall, the reception is mixed, with a prevalent theme of cautious curiosity tempered by skepticism about AI's role in language acquisition.
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.
Faced with the unsustainable maintenance burden of his popular open-source Java linear algebra library, ND4J, the author founded Timefold.ai. The library's widespread use in commercial settings, coupled with the limited resources available for its upkeep through traditional open-source avenues like donations and sponsorships, led to this decision. Timefold offers commercial support and enterprise features built upon ND4J, generating revenue that directly funds the continued development and maintenance of the open-source project. This model allows the library to thrive and remain freely available, while simultaneously providing a sustainable business model based on its value.
Hacker News users generally praised the Timefold founder's ingenuity and resourcefulness in creating a business around his open-source project. Several commenters discussed the challenges of monetizing open-source software, with some suggesting alternative models like donations or dual licensing. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of relying on commercializing closed-source extensions, particularly given the rapid advancements in open-source LLMs. Some users also debated the ethics of restricting certain features to paying customers, while others emphasized the importance of sustainable funding for open-source projects. The founder's transparency and clear explanation of his motivations were widely appreciated.
Intel's $2 billion acquisition of Habana Labs, an Israeli AI chip startup, is considered a failure. Instead of leveraging Habana's innovative Gaudi processors, which outperformed Intel's own offerings for AI training, Intel prioritized its existing, less competitive technology. This ultimately led to Habana's stagnation, an exodus of key personnel, and Intel falling behind Nvidia in the burgeoning AI chip market. The decision is attributed to internal politics, resistance to change, and a failure to recognize the transformative potential of Habana's technology.
HN commenters generally agree that Habana's acquisition by Intel was mishandled, leading to its demise and Intel losing ground in the AI race. Several point to Intel's bureaucratic structure and inability to integrate acquired companies effectively as the primary culprit. Some argue that Intel's focus on CPUs hindered its ability to recognize the importance of GPUs and specialized AI hardware, leading them to sideline Habana's promising technology. Others suggest that the acquisition price itself might have been inflated, setting unreasonable expectations for Habana's success. A few commenters offer alternative perspectives, questioning whether Habana's technology was truly revolutionary or if its failure was inevitable regardless of Intel's involvement. However, the dominant narrative is one of a promising startup stifled by a corporate giant, highlighting the challenges of integrating innovative acquisitions into established structures.
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.
Postmake.io/revenue offers a simple calculator to help businesses quickly estimate their annual recurring revenue (ARR). Users input their number of customers, average revenue per customer (ARPU), and customer churn rate to calculate current ARR, ARR growth potential, and potential revenue loss due to churn. The tool aims to provide a straightforward way to understand these key metrics and their impact on overall revenue, facilitating better financial planning.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to Postmake's revenue calculator. Several commenters praised its simplicity and ease of use, finding it a helpful tool for quick calculations. Some suggested potential improvements, like adding more sophisticated features for calculating recurring revenue or including churn rate. One commenter pointed out the importance of considering customer lifetime value (CLTV) alongside revenue. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of relying on a third-party tool for such calculations, suggesting spreadsheets or custom-built solutions as alternatives. Overall, the comments reflected an appreciation for a simple, accessible tool while also highlighting the need for more robust solutions for complex revenue modeling.
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.
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.
Inboxbooster, a Y Combinator-backed company, is hiring a fully remote JVM Bytecode Engineer. This role involves working on their core email deliverability product by developing and maintaining a Java agent that modifies bytecode at runtime. Ideal candidates are proficient in Java, bytecode manipulation libraries like ASM or Javassist, and have experience with performance optimization and debugging. Familiarity with email deliverability concepts is a plus.
Hacker News users discussing the Inboxbooster job posting largely focused on the low salary range ($60k-$80k) offered for a JVM Bytecode Engineer, especially given the specialized and in-demand nature of the skillset. Many commenters found this range significantly below market value, even considering the potential for remote work. Some speculated about the reasoning, suggesting either a misjudgment of the market by the company or a targeting of less experienced engineers. The remote aspect was also discussed, with some suggesting it might be a way to justify the lower salary, while others pointed out that top talent in this area can command high salaries regardless of location. A few commenters expressed skepticism about the YC backing given the seemingly low budget for engineering talent.
Converge, a YC S23 startup, is seeking a founding engineer to join their team in NYC. They're building a platform to simplify complex enterprise software procurement, aiming to bring transparency and efficiency to the process. The ideal candidate is a full-stack engineer with strong frontend experience, comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment. Experience with React and Typescript is preferred, and a passion for building impactful products is essential. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape a company from its early stages and have significant ownership over the product.
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed skepticism about the extremely broad required and "nice-to-have" skills listed in the job posting, finding it unrealistic for a single engineer to possess expertise in such a wide range. Others questioned the high equity offer (0.5-1.5%) for a second engineer, suggesting it might be inflated and not truly representative of the company's stage. The NYC location was also a point of discussion, with some commenters noting the high cost of living and questioning the long-term viability of remaining in the city given potential equity dilution. Finally, several users questioned the core business idea and its differentiation in a crowded market.
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.
The author announced the acquisition of their bootstrapped SaaS startup, Refind, by Readwise. After five years of profitable growth and serving thousands of paying users, they decided to join forces with Readwise to accelerate development and reach a wider audience. They expressed gratitude to the Hacker News community for their support and feedback throughout Refind's journey, highlighting how the platform played a crucial role in their initial user acquisition and growth. The author is excited about the future and the opportunity to continue building valuable tools for learners with the Readwise team.
The Hacker News comments on the "Thank HN" acquisition post are overwhelmingly positive and congratulatory. Several commenters inquire about the startup's niche and journey, expressing genuine curiosity and admiration for the bootstrapped success. Some offer advice for navigating the acquisition process, while others share their own experiences with acquisitions, both positive and negative. A few highlight the importance of celebrating such wins within the startup community, offering encouragement to other founders. The most compelling comments offer practical advice stemming from personal experience, like negotiating earn-outs and retaining key employees. There's a general sense of shared excitement and goodwill throughout the thread.
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.
Strac, a Y Combinator-backed startup focused on endpoint security, is seeking a Senior Endpoint Security Engineer specializing in Windows. The ideal candidate possesses deep Windows internals knowledge, experience with kernel-mode programming (drivers and system services), and expertise in security concepts like code signing and exploit mitigation. This role involves developing and maintaining Strac's agent for Windows, contributing to the core security product, and collaborating with a small, highly technical team. Experience with reverse engineering and vulnerability research is a plus.
Hacker News users discussing the Strac job posting largely focused on the requested salary range ($110k - $170k) for a Senior Endpoint Security Engineer specializing in Windows. Several commenters found this range too low, particularly given the specialized skillset, experience level required (5+ years), and the current market rate for security engineers. Some suggested that Strac's YC status might be influencing their offered compensation, speculating that they're either underfunded or attempting to leverage their YC association to attract talent at a lower cost. Others debated the value of endpoint security as a focus, with some suggesting it's a niche and potentially less valuable skillset compared to other security specializations. There was also discussion around the phrasing of the job description, with some finding the wording unclear or potentially indicative of company culture.
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.
Summary of Comments ( 0 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43123033
HN commenters discuss the ambitious nature of building AI chips, particularly for a small team. Some express skepticism about the feasibility of competing with established players like Google and Nvidia, questioning whether a startup can realistically develop superior hardware and software given the immense resources already poured into the field. Others are more optimistic, pointing out the potential for specialization and niche applications where a smaller, more agile company could thrive. The discussion also touches upon the trade-offs between general-purpose and specialized AI hardware, and the challenges of attracting talent in a competitive market. A few commenters offer practical advice regarding chip design and the importance of focusing on a specific problem within the broader AI landscape. The overall sentiment is a mix of cautious interest and pragmatic doubt.
The Hacker News post discussing Exa Laboratories' search for a founding engineer to build AI chips generated several comments, primarily focusing on the challenges and considerations associated with such a venture.
One commenter questioned the feasibility of a small team effectively competing in the already crowded AI chip market, dominated by giants like Google and Nvidia. They highlighted the immense resources required for chip development, from design and fabrication to software and ecosystem building. This commenter wondered if Exa Laboratories possessed a truly novel approach that could justify entering such a competitive landscape.
Another commenter, seemingly familiar with the complexities of chip design, pointed out the long lead times involved, suggesting that even with a streamlined process, bringing a new chip to market could take several years. They emphasized the importance of securing significant funding to sustain the company through this lengthy development phase.
Further discussion revolved around the specific type of AI chip Exa Laboratories intends to build. One commenter speculated about the possibility of focusing on a niche application or a specific AI algorithm, rather than trying to create a general-purpose AI chip. This, they argued, could be a more viable strategy for a smaller company.
Some comments also touched upon the talent acquisition aspect, with users acknowledging the difficulty of finding experienced engineers specializing in AI chip design. The competitive salaries offered by larger companies were mentioned as a potential hurdle for startups like Exa Laboratories.
Finally, there was a brief exchange about the role of Y Combinator's backing. While some viewed it as a positive signal, others cautioned that even with YC's support, the success of such a hardware-focused venture was far from guaranteed. They stressed the importance of a clear technological advantage and a well-defined market strategy. In essence, the comments reflected a cautious optimism tempered by a realistic understanding of the significant hurdles involved in building a new AI chip company.