Kingmakers... hardly. I remember going to a Commonwealth Club talk in January of 2013 titled: "Y Combinator:The Secret in this Incubator's Sauce". They talked about how YC exits are on par with or worse than any person trying to start a company. Sure there is tons of support when you're in the program and they really try to ensure soft landings through their relationships, but it's hardly a machine where your entrance into YC guarantees you a billion dollar valuation and great IPO.
Saying that, I still think YC is a wonderful program. It's what business school should be — starting and running a company; not talking about it. They have amazing leadership, mentorship, relationships and community in place which remove huge barriers from starting a company. I advise everyone I know who has a company idea to apply every semester.
Kingmakers... hardly. I remember going to a Commonwealth Club talk in January of 2013 titled: "Y Combinator:The Secret in this Incubator's Sauce". They talked about how YC exits are on par with or worse than any person trying to start a company. Sure there is tons of support when you're in the program and they really try to ensure soft landings through their relationships, but it's hardly a machine where your entrance into YC guarantees you a billion dollar valuation and great IPO.
Saying that, I still think YC is a wonderful program. It's what business school should be — starting and running a company; not talking about it. They have amazing leadership, mentorship, relationships and community in place which remove huge barriers from starting a company. I advise everyone I know who has a company idea to apply every semester.
[1] - http://yclist.com