On the TechTO stage ×1
Why You Shouldn't Apply to Y Combinator | Myra Arshad (ALT TEX, YC S22)
Watch on YouTube ↗First seen on the TechTO stage in 2026. Every talk is searchable — ask the archive about Myra ↗
In their words
In my experience, YC was one of the most formative experiences in our founder journey. We did it in 2022, absolutely incredible experience. But would I recommend YC for every single founder? No, I absolutely would not.
YC optimizes for very fast learning, very fast iteration and very fast speed to market. Hard tech optimizes for speed to research, speed to insight. Process over pivot.
Traction is not universal. You are not going to have hockey sticks on your slide decks. Figure out what your traction points are, and spend your YC batch optimizing for that.
Around the web ×1
Quick answers
What does ALT TEX make?
A biodegradable polyester alternative. A food-to-fabric fermentation process converts landfill-destined food waste into a bioplastic, then a fibre, then fabric sold to fashion brands.
Should a hard-tech founder apply to Y Combinator?
Arshad's answer at TechTO was: not automatically. YC is built for fast iteration and speed to market; deep tech runs on speed to insight. She said founders should apply at their maximum point of inflection, and define their own traction rather than borrowing software metrics.
Who founded ALT TEX?
Myra Arshad and Avneet Ghotra, in 2020. Arshad is CEO; Ghotra is CTO. They have worked together since high school.