Y Combinator's Summer 2026 batch startup LemonLime threw a party in San Francisco with a tattoo artist on hand, promising an "instant interview" to anyone who got a company-related tattoo. LemonLime builds AI automation workflows for small businesses.
Co-founder Jordan Zietz later posted that seven people left the party with permanent tattoos. He added that anyone who got a LemonLime tattoo would be interviewed immediately, and reminded job applicants to "take notes."
After the backlash, Zietz deleted the post and apologized. He acknowledged that tying permanent tattoos to job opportunities ignored the pressure on job seekers and the power imbalance at play. The interviews weren't contingent on getting inked, he said, and he's willing to pay for tattoo removal for anyone who regrets it.
So far, all seven participants have completed or scheduled interviews and are still going through the hiring process.