We started by combining our own needs for integrations with recent web API explosions at Startup Weekend, where we won a demo but the real work was just beginning. We bootstrapped our product by finding paying customers through support forums and building features around their requests. After a second submission to YC, we prepared extensively for an interview, pestering alumni for advice and conducting mock interviews to feel more comfortable. On interview day, we stood out by wearing matching t-shirts, but the conversation was surprisingly casual and brainstorm-like, with the partners discussing our product platform. After a short interview, we waited anxiously for the call of acceptance or rejection, which ultimately came in our favor when Paul from YC called to inform us that they would fund us.