Harvard-educated girlfriend handles multiple tasks for boyfriend, calls for equity, ignites gender debate

CC Gong, the partner of Y Combinator founder Mihail Eric, recently stirred online discussion with a post on platform X (formerly Twitter). Gong shared her viewpoint that partners of Y Combinator founders should receive "sweat equity" in their startups.

In her post, Gong stated: “My boyfriend is in YC, and this is what I come home to on a Friday night. I make sure he’s fed, do his laundry, cut his hair, and offer feedback, customer introductions, and encouragement. YC partners should be given sweat equity.”

The post included a photo of Eric asleep on the sofa with his laptop still open.

My boyfriend is in YC and this is what I come home to Friday night.

I make sure that he’s fed, do his laundry cut his hair. I give feedback, customer intros, and encouragement. YC girlfriends should be granted sweat equity. @ycombinator 30 days until demo day 💪 pic.twitter.com/2LpwQ2zWFk — C.C. Gong (@CCgong) August 24, 2024

Reactions to the post

The post, which has garnered over twomillion views, has divided opinions. Some people praise Gong's dedication while others criticise the idea, arguing that it normalises women's invisible labour in supporting men's professional success. This has led to discussions about gender roles in households.

About Y Combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator based in Silicon Valley. It connects early-stage companies with investors, mentors, and seed funding.

About CC Gong and Mihail Eric

Gong has extensive experience in the tech industry, including roles at Microsoft and Meta. She co-founded Montage and is a principal at Menlo Ventures. She holds degrees from Harvard University and Stanford University.

Her partner, Mihail Eric, co-founded Storia AI, which develops the AI tool Sage to help developers with software creation.

Netizens reactions

CC Gong’s post got mixed reactions from netizens.

One user supported Gong’s view, stating, “Every founder’s girlfriend should have some equity. They are your supporters from the first day!”

Another user wrote, "YC founders' life partners are the real heroes."

However,one of the people who responded to the postcriticised the idea, saying, “Enjoy being his slave. If he has priorities straight he can manage not being a slob, and no you are not entitled to anything for volunteering yourself as a female slave.”

One user said, “I was literally in 4th grade the first time I heard something like ‘behind every great man there’s a great woman behind him’ and this was supposed to be empowering to women but I have wondered, still wonder, who or what is behind great women,”

Yet another user went on to say, "This is very disturbing. Even at the lowest points and through the hardest times in my life, I was very organized, from my body to my finances to the place I live in".

(With inputs from agencies)