Founder sues YC over idea in rejected 2018 application
Harmony Oswald says YC used her rejected 2018 Founderology application to build Co-Founder Matching. Her latest complaint says no code had been developed, while the application names rival services. Four claims have survived dismissal.
By Ryan Merket · Published · Updated
Primary source: Y Combinator
Why it matters
Accelerators routinely collect detailed applications from founders without signing nondisclosure agreements. This case tests whether an application and an alleged oral confidentiality understanding can create liability when an investor later builds a related product. Four claims have survived demurrers, but those rulings establish no copying by YC.
Harmony Oswald applied to Y Combinator with a startup called Founderology on March 24th, 2018.
The application introduced Oswald as a former NBC Fear Factor contestant. RuntimeWire reviewed the episode on Prime Video: Oswald completed its opening helicopter-platform water stunt but was eliminated before the second challenge due to having the slowest time.
Founderology's YC run also ended before round two. The startup was not selected for an interview.…
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