They accept founders with a cornucopia of backgrounds. From people with barely an idea to people with running businesses. I would presume the farther along you

They accept founders with a cornucopia of backgrounds. From people with barely an idea to people with running businesses. I would presume the farther along your business is and the more stuck you are on that particular model the more the evaluation leans toward the business growth metrics. When we did YC we were accepted with an idea, a landing page with some email signups, and almost a customer. They asked hard hitting questions in the interview. We did have industry connections, some unique insights, and previous startup experience. After being "inside" (as a company founder at least) and seeing everything they write about on the "outside", I take what YC says at face value. They earned trust.