Y Combinator Founders' Testosterone Levels Spike 99.6% Before Series B, Then Drop 42.2%; Fund Targets >900 ng/dl

Recent discussions among startup founders have highlighted the correlation between testosterone levels and the stages of venture capital funding. Notably, male founders at Y Combinator experience a dramatic increase in testosterone, with levels spiking by 99.6% from pre-seed to Series B funding. However, this boost is followed by a significant decline of 42.2% as they face the pressures of later-stage funding. This trend suggests that early startup success may enhance confidence and testosterone, while the demands of sustaining a business can lead to stress and reduced hormone levels. In light of these findings, some investors are now focusing on backing founders with high testosterone levels, with one individual announcing plans to raise a fund specifically for those with testosterone levels exceeding 900 ng/dl. The discussions reflect a growing interest in the biological factors that may influence entrepreneurial success.