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Founder Stories: YC W16 and Boom Supersonic

This interview features Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Technology (YC W16), a company dedicated to building a new generation of supersonic airplanes.

Deciding to Start a Supersonic Airplane Company

Scholl's journey began with a passion for aviation and a desire to innovate in the industry. He shares his motivations for leaving a successful career to pursue the ambitious goal of building a supersonic airplane company.

• He saw a need for faster, more efficient travel in the aviation sector.
• He believed in the potential of supersonic technology to revolutionize air travel.

Innovation in Aviation

Scholl discusses the challenges and opportunities of innovating in the aviation industry, a field known for its rigorous safety standards and high barriers to entry.

• He highlights the importance of technical expertise and a strong engineering team.
• He emphasizes the need for a clear vision and a compelling business model.

Blake’s Career Before Boom

Scholl's background includes roles at companies like Google and SpaceX, experiences that equipped him with valuable skills and insights relevant to the challenges of building a startup. He discusses how these experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship and his vision for Boom.

• Scholl shares his experience working on Google's self-driving car project, a venture that involved pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation.
• He discusses his involvement with SpaceX, a company known for its ambitious goals and its relentless pursuit of technological advancements.

Deciding Whether or Not to Do YC

Scholl explains his decision to join the YC W16 cohort, sharing his perspective on the benefits and challenges of participating in the renowned accelerator program.

• He highlights the valuable mentorship and connections provided by YC, especially for hard tech startups.
• He discusses the intense learning curve and the fast-paced environment of the YC program.

Being a Hard Tech Company in YC

Scholl talks about the unique challenges of building a hard tech company in the YC ecosystem, where software-focused startups are often the norm.

• He addresses the need for a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of building a supersonic airplane.
• He highlights the importance of finding the right investors and partners who understand the complexities of the project.

Meeting with Richard Branson

Scholl recounts his experience meeting with Richard Branson, a key figure in the aviation industry and a supporter of innovative ventures.

• He describes the importance of securing Branson's support for Boom's vision and their collaboration on future projects.
• He discusses Branson's insights into the future of air travel and his belief in the potential of supersonic technology.

Demo Day

Scholl discusses the experience of participating in YC W16 Demo Day, the culminating event where startups showcase their products and pitch to investors.

• He reflects on the pressure and the opportunity to present Boom's vision to a large audience of potential investors and partners.
• He highlights the significance of Demo Day as a milestone in Boom's journey to bring its supersonic airplane to reality.

Advice for Other Hard Tech Startups

Scholl offers advice for other entrepreneurs working in the hard tech space, emphasizing the importance of persistence, resilience, and a strong belief in your vision.

• He encourages entrepreneurs to seek out mentors and partners who can provide guidance and support.
• He highlights the importance of building a strong team with the technical expertise needed to tackle complex challenges.