In this episode, Robert, co-founder of Wordware, shares the story of turning a sauna brainstorm into one of the largest seed rounds in YC history. He walks us through the early pivots, the highs and lows of YC interviews, and how a viral Twitter Roast fueled their momentum. This is a raw look at conviction, timing, and how founders can compound small wins into historic outcomes.
FOUNDER PROFILE:
Robert Chandler
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjhchandler/
🎙️ 7 Most Interesting Moments
The “sauna spark” in Warsaw that inspired the core idea for Wordware.
How getting denied by YC initially led to killing their first agent and pivoting.
Building the first prototype in just 3–4 days and knowing it felt different.
The conviction to ignore mixed feedback and double down on the small group of passionate users.
The chaotic YC interview process — failing twice before finally getting in on the third attempt.
The viral “Twitter Roast” stunt that reached 8M people and fueled their fundraising momentum.
Closing $30M in a single week, with Paul Graham advising them to speed-run the raise.
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