2 main cases I would guess: 1) Big press is now interested in YCombinator, and therefore reaches out independently to YCombinator companies 2) YCombinator sta

2 main cases I would guess: 1) Big press is now interested in YCombinator, and therefore reaches out independently to YCombinator companies 2) YCombinator staff+alum have press relationships from previous businesses/life, and therefore are able to provide a "warm" intro for the startup. If the startup has a good story, the press is receptive.