About YB Starter

Empowering entrepreneurs with practical startup funding insights

David Chen
About the Author

Hi, I'm David Chen

With 15 years of experience as a startup advisor and angel investor, I've helped hundreds of entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of startup funding. From bootstrapping their first SaaS to closing Series A rounds, I've seen what works—and what doesn't.

YB Starter exists to give you the same insights without the steep learning curve. Every article draws from real experience, not theoretical frameworks. I've sat on both sides of the table—as an advisor helping founders craft their stories, and as an investor evaluating thousands of pitches.

I believe that good information shouldn't be gatekept. Whether you're seeking your first angel check or preparing for a Series B, you deserve clear, actionable guidance.

15+
Years Experience
50+
Startups Advised
$100M+
Capital Raised
12
Successful Exits

My Background

From engineering to investing—a journey through the startup ecosystem

Early Career

I started my career as a software engineer at a Fortune 500 company, where I spent three years building enterprise software. But the entrepreneurial itch never left. In 2011, I took the leap and co-founded my first startup—a B2B SaaS company focused on project management for creative agencies.

With no outside funding, we bootstrapped our way to $2.5M ARR over four years. This experience taught me the discipline of capital efficiency, the importance of rapid iteration, and how to build a business that could stand on its own merits.

The Investment Path

After exiting my first company, I transitioned into angel investing. I wanted to share what I'd learned with the next generation of founders. Over the past decade, I've invested in 30+ startups across various sectors, from fintech to healthcare to consumer products.

I've also served as an advisor to numerous portfolio companies, helping them navigate fundraising, product development, and team building. This dual perspective—as both founder and investor—gives me unique insights into what makes fundraising succeed.

What Drives Me

The philosophy behind YB Starter

Practicality Over Theory

I've seen too many founders paralyzed by frameworks that don't translate to real-world execution. My content focuses on what's actually worked.

No Gatekeeping

Startup knowledge shouldn't be reserved for those with wealthy connections. I distill complex topics into accessible, actionable insights.

Honest Perspective

I'll tell you what investors really think, what raising capital actually costs, and when bootstrapping genuinely beats VC funding.