Yes, if your goal is to get into YC, but I would argue that, as a startup founder, your goal should be building your process and getting it to market. YC, for a

Yes, if your goal is to get into YC, but I would argue that, as a startup founder, your goal should be building your process and getting it to market. YC, for all positive hype they get, will not help you build your product, design your process, or give you users if you didn't have the fortitude to get it in the first place. If building a startup is driving on the highway, then getting into YC is driving 95 mph, while just doing it on your own is driving 55 mph; there are more risks and deadlines involved, and there is no guarantee you will reach your destination... But if you do, it happened really quickly and everyone else is impressed. Doing a startup is the 21st century version of the 7th century practice of going on a religious pilgrimage. And YC is a wealthy kingdom somewhere along the way; it is neither your destination nor an absolutely necessary via-point (though it is refreshing to go there). Your startup is your journey, the roads you trailblazed is your business, and the journey itself starts with you and it ends with you. YC might help you on your way, but it won't and can't carry you (incidentally, the only thing that gets your through your worst moments is blind and obstinate faith, which is surprising because this hasn't changed despite all the centuries)