Erik Torenberg on Founder

YC has grown class size 25x+ in the last 10 yrs. Elite universities have mostly kept class sizes the same. Startup ecosystem embraces more founders b/c their status is determined by exits, elite universities keep classes small b/c their status is determined by acceptance rates.

520 likes14 repliesPosted May 26, 2021

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Viral score

Based on absolute engagement — the platform doesn’t expose follower counts here, so large accounts score higher.

From likes, comments.

Why it worked

Leads with a specific number, which is concrete enough to be worth a second of attention.
Uses concrete numbers instead of vague claims, which makes it credible and quotable.
Follows a clear Hook → Context → Landing shape, so the reader always knows where they are.
The opening line stands alone, so it reads completely before the post is expanded.
Short enough to read in full without expanding, which removes a step before the point lands.

The mechanics

Hook: Leads with a number
Structure: Hook → Context → Landing
Style: Conversational paragraphs at a steady pace.
Tone: concrete, punchy
Mechanisms: Specificity
Written for: Founders and early-stage teams

Analysis by ViralLoop — not written by the original author.

Topics

Founder

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