This is what I think matters (in this order) 1) exposure to the right people (not just investors, and not just at demo day) 2) great product advice 3) a fast

This is what I think matters (in this order) 1) exposure to the right people (not just investors, and not just at demo day) 2) great product advice 3) a fast schedule and competitive environment that will make you work harder than you've ever worked before That being said, YC mostly provides greater opportunities (and more of them), its still up to you to make the most of that.