yc-cold-outreach

Draft cold outreach emails applying YC principles across scenarios.

1|Updated Apr 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/sandmark78/workspace --skill yc-cold-outreach
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: yc-cold-outreach
Source: https://github.com/sandmark78/workspace/tree/main/skills/yc-cold-outreach
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/sandmark78/workspace --skill yc-cold-outreach

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Drafting effective cold emails is time-consuming and error-prone; this skill provides a structured approach based on YC Startup School to turn cold contacts into warm leads.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Draft personalized, human-sounding cold emails following the seven principles.
  • Critique drafts with a YC Grade focusing on Human Factor, Friction, and Mobile Readability.
  • Iterate copy by applying targeting and personalization strategies, including Uncommon Commonalities, to improve response probability.

Quick Start

Draft a concise YC outreach email to a potential investor following the seven principles.

Frequently Asked Questions about yc-cold-outreach

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I draft a cold email to investors using YC principles?

To draft a cold email to investors, apply YC principles by enforcing one clear goal, a human tone, personalization, brevity, credibility, and a clear CTA. This structured approach turns cold contacts into warm leads by maximizing mobile readability and minimizing friction.

What is the best way to personalize cold outreach emails for startups?

The best way to personalize cold outreach emails is by applying targeting strategies like Uncommon Commonalities. This technique improves response probability by establishing a human factor and reader-centric language that resonates specifically with the recipient's background.

How can I critique my cold email draft to improve conversion rates?

You can critique your cold email draft by evaluating it against a YC Grade focused on the Human Factor, Friction, and Mobile Readability. This assessment identifies areas lacking brevity or a clear CTA, allowing you to iterate copy for higher conversion.

Does cold email length impact response rates for startup founders?

Yes, cold email length impacts response rates because brevity is a core YC outreach principle. Enforcing concise, reader-centric language reduces friction and improves mobile readability, ensuring your single clear goal and CTA are immediately visible to potential partners.

Why does my cold email outreach fail to generate warm leads?

Cold email outreach fails to generate warm leads when drafts lack a human tone, personalization, or a clear CTA. Applying YC principles helps iterate copy by targeting specific scenarios and enforcing reader-centric language to significantly reduce friction.