YC's Protent Labs Launches AI Threat Detection

Protent Labs' journey from an idea to a YC-backed launch started with finding its first users, a challenge every founder faces. YC partner Gustaf Alströmer emphasizes that early users are often found in online communities like Reddit, Slack, or Discord, as well as at in-person events. The key is to go where your target audience already discusses the problem you aim to solve. When engaging in online communities on platforms like Reddit, Quora, or private Slack groups, the goal is to contribute authentically before ever mentioning your product. Answer questions, share insights, and build relationships within the niche. Only mention your solution when it becomes a natural fit in the conversation, which prevents being seen as spam and builds genuine interest. For direct outreach, YC partner Aaron Epstein advises that warm intros are by far the most effective method, yielding conversion rates two to three times higher than cold emails. Leverage your existing network and LinkedIn to find friends of friends who fit your ideal user profile. YC Managing Director Michael Seibel also suggests that your very first customers should ideally come from your personal network—people who have personally experienced the problem you're solving. When you must do cold outreach, keep emails short, personalized, and focused on establishing credibility. Your goal isn't to sell, but to start a conversation to learn. Frame the ask as seeking advice or research help, flattering the recipient by highlighting their specific experience. The objective is to get them on a short call to discuss their problems, not to pitch your product. In these initial user conversations, your primary role is to listen, not to talk. Avoid describing your idea, which can bias the feedback. Instead, ask open-ended questions like, "What is the hardest part about X?" or "Tell me about the last time you encountered this problem." This approach helps you validate the problem's existence and gather unbiased insights into the user's experience. YC founders often post their product on platforms like Product Hunt, BetaList, and Indie Hackers to attract tech-savvy early adopters. Sharing milestones and being transparent on "build in public" forums like Indie Hackers or in "Show HN" threads on Hacker News can also generate a waitlist and initial user feedback. A critical step in validating your idea is to charge your first customers, even a small amount. Michael Seibel notes that a customer's willingness to pay is a strong signal that you are solving a real and urgent problem for them. This helps you focus on users who are serious about finding a solution and will provide the most valuable feedback.