I also think it's notable that we're starting to see more and more international startups like Strikingly in YC. (I define "international" here as a team of founders with roots and/or a strong network in a country outside the US)
I'm biased since my own startup is applying to YC S13 from Korea. We did some research and noticed that in the current W13 batch there are teams from China (Strikingly), from Singapore, etc.
I'm a big fan of what YC does for entrepreneurs, and I'm happy to see that their alumni network is gradually reaching more and more parts of the world. YC might (understandably) not have any plans to expand internationally, but they don't have to if their alumni do it for them.
The product is great, but what I think it is much more important is how the persevered after they were initially rejected. Many others would just have called it a day and gone home to a cushy job. They did not, worked hard for many months without knowing if they would be accepted the second time, and they finally succeeded.
I haven't seen anyone that simply quits and leaves a startups because they didn't get into YC. Most just apply to TS, 500S, FF or try to contact angels on their own.
That's like... "Its impressive how you didn't give up after the first girl that you asked out rejected you. You persevered and continued to ask other girls out."
Really cool behind the scenes story that you for the most part don't get to hear. Everyone's interested in your funding strategy, value prop, etc.. that they forget founders are humans just like us.
Part of your sentence appears to be missing, but I'll fill it in for myself. The "ly" thing is beyond worn out. The odd thing in this case is that they actually chose a real word.
I'm biased since my own startup is applying to YC S13 from Korea. We did some research and noticed that in the current W13 batch there are teams from China (Strikingly), from Singapore, etc.
I'm a big fan of what YC does for entrepreneurs, and I'm happy to see that their alumni network is gradually reaching more and more parts of the world. YC might (understandably) not have any plans to expand internationally, but they don't have to if their alumni do it for them.