I definitely believe it. The knowledge and advice that they give is freely available to anybody with access to Google Definitely not. They're not giving gener

I definitely believe it. The knowledge and advice that they give is freely available to anybody with access to Google Definitely not. They're not giving general advice -- that's already been given in the form of PG's essays, etc. They give detailed, specific information for each company. From what I understand, it includes everything from tactical information on exactly when to launch or what features to cut, to longer term product and UI design to long-term strategic advice for the company. Also, they have expertise in everything from team dynamics to product development to knowledge of the press and funding, etc. With hundreds of companies as YC alums, the YC folks have an unrivaled amount of experience -- whatever your situation, they've probably seen something like it and can give you great advice. I think there are very few other advisors who could give really good advice on all these fronts. If you look at the link you referenced, you'll notice that every single one of them is about connecting YC startups with important people What? Maybe half of it is, but did you miss the whole "office hours" section?