Yesterday, we had the opportunity to meet three-quarters of Y Combinator: Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, and Trevor Blackwell. Jessica was presenting her book, Founders at Work, at Mrs. Dalloway’s in Berkeley. Congratulations to Jessica on a terrific work. I’m nowhere close to completing it yet, but I look forward to reading some more. For those that are unfamiliar with the title, Founders at Work is a collection of interviews with the founders of numerous startups. It gives a pretty personal glimpse at what went on behind the scenes and makes these entrepreneurs absolutely relatable. It’s insightful and hilarious so I definitely recommend it.

We also met Sam and Andres from Octopart, and Adam from Xobni – all great guys and very bright. What struck me about everyone we met that day was how approachable and genuine they all were. It was great just chatting with such smart and influential folks. Hopefully we’ll see more of them once Startup School rolls around.

Afterwards, we had dinner with Kenneth and Connie at Triple Rock Brewery & Ale House. Not a bad place at all. The Stonehenge Stout is quite yum — it’s a bit like Guiness with a chocolate and caramel aroma/aftertaste to it. But now we’re both back in Davis, and it’s time to get back to work.