Todays landscape is vastly different from when MS and Apple were founded. Even Google for that matter.
In reading through most of the YC-funding companies, it seems they cater not only to Web-type startups, but also very young (on average) founders.
If you've been doing startups for a while, you don't need YC. If you're new to the whole starting/operating a business and raising money, it would seem to be a very valuable relationship. I learned most of the lessons that YC-funded founders will learn along the way. But I did it on my own, and at a cost of about $500K of my personal money when I was in my 20's. I would have gladly given up a few % for the money, and most importantly the advice and experience.
In reading through most of the YC-funding companies, it seems they cater not only to Web-type startups, but also very young (on average) founders.
If you've been doing startups for a while, you don't need YC. If you're new to the whole starting/operating a business and raising money, it would seem to be a very valuable relationship. I learned most of the lessons that YC-funded founders will learn along the way. But I did it on my own, and at a cost of about $500K of my personal money when I was in my 20's. I would have gladly given up a few % for the money, and most importantly the advice and experience.