Keith Schacht and Doug Peltz on What Traction Feels Like - at YC Edtech Night

Summary

Keith Schacht and Doug Peltz, founders of Mystery Science, discussed their journey from idea to product-market fit at YC Edtech Night. Here are the key points:

Keith and Doug met in college and Keith convinced Doug to join him in starting Mystery Science.
They recognized a disconnect between the content of science and how it was being presented in schools.
They initially targeted parents as customers but realized schools were the best way to reach children.
They went through multiple product iterations before finding success in the K-5 science curriculum market.
User feedback guided their understanding of product-market fit and the unique way they explained science.
They tested their product with teachers and received positive feedback.
They experienced traction, with their product being used in 10% of US elementary schools.
They used Facebook to reach teachers and had unexpected success with it.
They focused on building a resource for teachers and grew usage before building a sales team.
They emphasized the importance of creating a product that teachers and students love.
They faced challenges in fundraising but secured new investors who believed in their vision.
They joined Y Combinator to further grow their company and found the program valuable.
Doug became a full-time founder to have a larger impact and reach a wider audience.
Mystery Science is now used in 10% of US elementary schools.

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