How I Got Into Y Combinator (With Just A Prototype)

Ghislain Gourage, CEPA®, Partner at NewEdge Wealth, continues our broader focus on the full entrepreneurial journey — spotlighting how innovation, resilience and AI are reshaping what it takes to build a business. This episode features Richard Ou, a young entrepreneur whose story reflects the speed and possibility of the modern startup era. Richard shares how entrepreneurship was ingrained early on, how he began building software as a teenager and how that passion ultimately led him to San Francisco, where he lived on $10 a week, slept on a friend’s couch and networked relentlessly to build his first product and secure initial funding. Richard walks us through his rapid path: early traction, an angel investment from unexpected places, multiple pivots and ultimately a successful exit just a year after raising his first round. He also explains why the Bay Area’s ecosystem enables this kind of velocity and why it’s so difficult to replicate elsewhere. Now, Richard is focused on his next venture: AI “agents” designed to co-pilot people’s work and free up time so they can pursue what matters most. It’s a return to his original mission of empowering people to follow their passions. Get notified about upcoming videos: » Subscribe to our channel:    / @newedgewealth   Connect with us: » LinkedIn:   / newedgewealth   » Instagram:   / newedgewealth   » X: https://x.com/NewEdgeWealth » Website: https://www.newedgewealth.com Important Disclosures: The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the participants as of the date of recording and are subject to change without notice. The views and opinions included in these materials belong to their author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of NewEdge Wealth, LLC. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any performance information discussed in this video, whether actual or hypothetical, is provided for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect actual results achieved by any client. Hypothetical results are based on assumptions and do not represent actual trading. Actual results are expected to vary from any such statement or forecast. Assumptions have inherent limitations and may not reflect the impact of economic and market conditions, fees, or other factors. Hypothetical data should not be relied upon as indicative of future performance. No assurance can be given that investment objectives or target returns will be achieved. Future returns may be higher or lower than the estimates presented herein. This video may discuss investment products or services offered by unaffiliated firms. References to specific products, services, or securities are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation, solicitation, or offer to purchase or sell any security or investment strategy. Products, strategies or services referenced may not be suitable for all investors. Investors should consider their own investment objectives and risk tolerance and should consult their professional advisors before making any investment decisions. Guest speakers are not employees of NewEdge Wealth unless expressly stated. Their views and opinions are their own and may not reflect those of NewEdge Wealth or its affiliates. No compensation was provided to guests for their appearance unless otherwise disclosed. Any mention of third-party firms or professionals does not constitute an endorsement by NewEdge Wealth. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. Indices are unmanaged and have no fees or expenses. Information on indices can be obtained from online sources including the Securities and Exchange Commission website. https://www.sec.gov/answers/indices.htm NewEdge Wealth is a division of NewEdge Capital Group, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through NewEdge Wealth, LLC, an investment adviser registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Securities offered through NewEdge Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. All data is subject to change without notice.