There are some pretty clear answers to the publicly traded company question. Financial statements are much more transparent and regulated, HR policies much more

There are some pretty clear answers to the publicly traded company question. Financial statements are much more transparent and regulated, HR policies much more formal, equity awards are easier to value and sell, etc. A lot of responses seem to believe this question is either naive or asked in bad faith. Insofar as YC is a network of founders and mentors with strong opinions on how to successfully start any grow a venture, it would be shocking if there were no generalizations that you could make.