Y Combinator Wishlist + Your Guide to Stress-Free Entrepreneurship

🌟 What’s new

• Y Combinator Wishlist: The influential accelerator Y Combinator, known for launching giants such as Airbnb, DoorDash, and Reddit, has shared its latest "wishlist" of startup ideas it aims to support.

• Anne Wojcicki Reclaims 23andMe: In a significant power move, co-founder Anne Wojcicki successfully reacquired genetic testing company 23andMe for $305 million through her nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute. This move, which outbid Regeneron, aims to protect user DNA data and represents a potential shift in how genetic information businesses are structured, especially after the company's bankruptcy filing.

• Call her Alex: Alex Cooper, the force behind "Call Her Daddy" and Unwell, is now the subject of a two-part Hulu docuseries titled "Call Her Alex."

• Skims x Nike: The highly anticipated NikeSkims athleisure collaboration, a partnership between Kim Kardashian's Skims and Nike, has reportedly postponed its spring launch, with products now expected later this year.

• Reese Witherspoon Expands Media Empire: Continuing her strategic expansion in media, actor and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon has forged a podcast deal with iHeartMedia, set to complement her popular monthly book club.

• Rent the Runway Subscriber Surge: Jennifer Hyman's clothing rental company, Rent the Runway, is celebrating a significant recovery in its active subscriber base. After hitting a multi-year low earlier in 2025, the platform has bounced back with 147,000 active subscribers, marking an impressive 23% increase from the previous quarter. This surge indicates renewed interest in their rental model.

• Coffee Cost: Cristina Scocchia, CEO of Italian coffee company Illy, recently commented on the challenging state of the coffee market. She noted that coffee bean prices have more than doubled in the last four years, though the roaster anticipates that these costs will begin to decline.

💡 WE Guide: Level Up Your Entrepreneurial Skills

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Your Guide to Stress-Free Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurial journey is exhilarating, but it often comes with intense pressure. While the "hustle culture" might seem glamorous, a sustainable and truly successful path requires prioritizing your well-being. Here's how to build a resilient you and a thriving business without burning out.

1. Master Your Boundaries & Time

• Define "Off" Hours: As a founder, work can easily bleed into every hour. Set specific work hours and stick to them. Even if it's just a few hours in the evening, define when you're "closed for business."

• Strategic Scheduling: Use time blocking to dedicate focused periods to high-impact tasks, meetings, and even breaks. Tools like Google Calendar, or Fantastical can help you visualize and manage your time. Prioritize what truly moves the needle using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix.

• Learn to Say No: Every "yes" to a new opportunity is a "no" to something else, often your own well-being. Politely decline commitments that don't align with your core goals or values.

• Delegate & Automate: You can't do everything yourself. Identify tasks that can be outsourced to freelancers via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, delegated to team members using project management tools like Monday.com, Trello, or Jira, or automated with tools like Zapier or Make. Free up your time for strategic thinking, not busywork.

2. Prioritize Self-Care (It's Non-Negotiable!)

• Sleep is Your Superpower: Ditch the "I'll sleep when I'm dead" mindset. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly. Consider sleep tracking apps like Sleep Cycle or wearables like Oura Ring for insights. Lack of sleep impairs decision-making, creativity, and resilience.

• Move Your Body: Even short bursts of physical activity can significantly reduce stress. A brisk walk, a quick stretch, or a 10-minute dance party can release endorphins and clear your head. Fitness apps like Peloton (for guided workouts) or simple step trackers can keep you motivated.

• Mindful Moments: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your routine. Even 5-10 minutes daily can help you stay present, calm your mind, and reduce overwhelm. Apps like Calm or Headspace can be great starting points for guided meditations.

• Fuel Your Body Well: Entrepreneurs are notorious for quick, unhealthy meals. Focus on nourishing foods that provide sustained energy, rather than relying on caffeine or sugary snacks that lead to crashes. Meal planning apps or healthy meal kit services can support this.

• Take Real Breaks: Beyond short hourly breaks, schedule longer periods to fully disconnect. This means weekends, evenings, and genuine vacation time. Your brain needs recovery to process, innovate, and recharge. Use out-of-office auto-replies effectively.

3. Build a Supportive Ecosystem

• Connect with Peers: Entrepreneurship can be isolating. Build a network of fellow founders, mentors, and trusted advisors through LinkedIn, industry events, or online communities like WE - Women Entrepreneurship. Sharing experiences, challenges, and wins with those who "get it" can be incredibly validating and insightful.

• Seek Professional Help: There's zero shame in reaching out to a therapist, coach, or mental health professional. Proactive support can equip you with coping mechanisms and strategies to navigate high-pressure situations. Platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace offer accessible online therapy.

• Cultivate Hobbies & Interests: Pursue passions outside of your business. These provide mental breaks, a different kind of fulfillment, and a reminder that your identity isn't solely tied to your venture.

• Foster Team Well-being: If you have a team, lead by example. Encourage open conversations about mental health, offer flexible working options, and show that it's okay to take breaks and prioritize well-being. A healthy team is a productive team.

Remember, true entrepreneurial success isn't just about scaling your business; it's about scaling yourself sustainably. Prioritize your wellness, and watch how it positively impacts every facet of your venture.

Editor's Desk

We hope this edition of the WE newsletter provides you with valuable insights, new opportunities, and inspiring stories. The world of entrepreneurship is constantly evolving, and staying informed is key to success. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Warmly,

Keren, Founder @ WE - Women Entrepreneurship