People question why startups are so focused on getting into YC. They ask the reasonable question "Why care so much about getting into YC? How about focusing on building a great product instead of optimising for YC?"

I think the answer is that YC is a significant success factor, and if your company is a member of YC then many future objectives and challenges will become easier.

People who have attended certain universities gain many ongoing benefits from the recognition of the university. "Oh, you went to Harvard/Standford/Melbourne University? Yes please come talk to us."

People who have worked at certain companies many ongoing benefits from the recognition of the company. "Oh, you worked at Google/Facebook/Microsoft/Netflix/Apple? Yes please come talk to us."

"Oh, you're a YC company? Yes please come talk to us."

It's instant credibility and that really helps open alot of doors.

Dress well, be kind to people, go to a recognised elite university, start your career working at one or two of the top tech companies, get your startup into YC and you're likely to be able to pay your bills into the future.

I should say I did not go to an elite university, did not work at a top tier tech company and have not been through YC :-)