Ask PG - would you fund a java startup?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=212862

by philswenson • 18 years ago

4 6 18 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

Paul, I know you really dislike Java (or seem to). Would you fund a Java startup? How would it affect your decision?

bilbo0s• 18 years ago

What is the field in which you are employing Java?

Just curious. I realize you want to keep your idea to yourself, I'm just wondering in general terms. For instance, are you thinking of a social network, a social messaging system like IM, email or twitter, or 3D web gaming. You see, I think if what you are thinking of is easier done in other lingos I would say save yourself the java headaches and use php or python or <insert dynamic lingo here>. If, however, you are thinking about say... 3D gaming, it can ONLY be done in java right now and you should use it regardless of who would invest in it.

stcredzero• 18 years ago

If you want to do 3D gaming, Panda3D is a great framework for rapid prototyping. And it's in Python.

brlewis2• 18 years ago

YC has funded a startup that uses Microsoft .NET, so I don't see why they would rule out funding one that uses Java.

http://www.splashup.com/

johns• 18 years ago

Are they really considered a .NET startup? The actual app itself is Flash. Just having the corp site in aspx doesn't make them a .NET shop.

Loopt has some .NET in their architecture and Sam Altman told me at startup school that it was never an issue with YC.

To answer the question though, I believe I've heard in a few places that they don't care what you use, as long as you are building something worth funding.

brlewis2• 18 years ago

The best way to answer your first question is to look in their job listings, or in this case their blog. This is something I learned from PG's story of looking at competitors' job listings in his Viaweb days.

They want (or wanted) someone with "Heavy experience with C# and/or .NET in general". That makes me think Flash isn't the only important technology for them.

pg• 18 years ago

Sure. I think there are some phone apps that have to use it, for example.

Ask PG - would you fund a java startup?

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