One of YC's two biggest successes, Airbnb, is very much not a tech company (though design is important for them). YC was a huge magnifier of Airbnb's success.

One of YC's two biggest successes, Airbnb, is very much not a tech company (though design is important for them). YC was a huge magnifier of Airbnb's success. With good advice for sure, but I believe what made the really big difference was the credibility and helping hand with press and investors. My impression is that YC isn't comfortable with startups that aren't pure technology plays. They didn't even believe in Airbnb's idea -- they only funded them because they seemed especially determined. So it's clear YC can help companies like this, but it's obviously somewhat of a blind spot for them. They're getting along okay though :-)