I wonder if the author's observation has something to do with the tension between Research and Development, ala R&D. YCombinator seemed effective in funding th

I wonder if the author's observation has something to do with the tension between Research and Development, ala R&D. YCombinator seemed effective in funding the latter, but the first half seem to be higher risk, more expensive, and much longer to market (if at all). Is my impression correct? I recall YC Research was pitched a few years ago but I think it politely imploded into a small nonprofit.