YC is a non-traditional VC, but still a VC. VCs expect a certain growth rate (2-3x annually for the first five years) that almost always requires follow on funding.
You could do what you are describing, but if you are up-front with your plans to grow slowly, most VCs will pass on you.
You could do what you are describing, but if you are up-front with your plans to grow slowly, most VCs will pass on you.