I'm occasionally irritated by this cliquishness, but it's all about access, access, access. Anyone can apply.
The fact that YC exists now, and the fact that it gets the attention it does make the YC brand a great one to be associated with if you are looking for investment.
The founders you mentioned didn't need YC, but if they were doing it again today, are you saying they wouldn't derive any benefit from applying to YC?
Also, blogging about a YC interview may be a way to get alternate funding back home. For instance, I got a job interview (in Toronto, Canada) in the mid nineties in part because I had interviewed at Microsoft, in Seattle. I didn't get the Microsoft job.
Access helps. But one thing I've realized is that everyone (well, almost everyone) is knowable if you're willing to make the effort. A little confidence, and a little intelligently done networking will open most doors you're looking for. YC is a great opportunity, but this is a good thing to keep in mind regardless of whether you get in. They can only give you so many shortcuts. Eventually, you'll have to do the heavy lifting yourself.
The fact that YC exists now, and the fact that it gets the attention it does make the YC brand a great one to be associated with if you are looking for investment.
The founders you mentioned didn't need YC, but if they were doing it again today, are you saying they wouldn't derive any benefit from applying to YC?
Also, blogging about a YC interview may be a way to get alternate funding back home. For instance, I got a job interview (in Toronto, Canada) in the mid nineties in part because I had interviewed at Microsoft, in Seattle. I didn't get the Microsoft job.