YC, like all companies, is a brand. It is already expressed by alumni when applying for a job. It is sought by employers as a mark of validation that the person

YC, like all companies, is a brand. It is already expressed by alumni when applying for a job. It is sought by employers as a mark of validation that the person works hard and fast and knows how to innovate. As YC scales and graduates more companies, they want to optimize their return on investment. Those companies that graduate from YC want to make sure their companies raise capital at a premium when future fundraising and ultimately IPOing or being acquired. The YC network is a thing in the VC community and a mark of a high opportunity investment. Today, some purchasing managers are aware of its alumni companies and use it as a litmus that the company is cutting edge and innovative. Maybe most don't. Since sales ultimately lead to higher company valuations, perhaps this is something YC would want to focus on?