The real value of Y Combinator is the intensity of the program, which sets companies up for success by instilling a sense of urgency and focus on execution.

Having the support of the Y Combinator community is invaluable, as it connects you with other founders willing to collaborate and help each other out.

Watching Y Combinator videos is not a substitute for the real experience of being a YC founder, which includes direct access to partners and exclusive insights not shared publicly.

The best part of the Y Combinator network is the willingness of alumni to help each other, making it a supportive community for founders.

In early-stage investing, the ability to evaluate founders effectively is a significant advantage, and this skill has been crucial to Y Combinator's success.

Being part of Y Combinator provides invaluable exposure and credibility, especially for founders who may not have connections in Silicon Valley. It creates a unique momentum during fundraising, culminating in a demo day where you can present to top investors.

Getting into Y Combinator is just the beginning; many founders mistakenly believe that this achievement equates to success, but real impact comes from the work that follows.

At Y Combinator, we invest in founders at the idea stage, understanding that it may take over a decade to see if their concepts are viable, so short-term valuations are less critical.

Many critics of Y Combinator have never participated in the program, leading to uninformed opinions about its value.