The $150k is the least compelling reason to join YC. Most people apply to YC for the ecosystem, community and access to (relatively) good VCs.
Is that what YC tells you because they know $150K won't go far.
Agreed. $150K is basically enough for you to move to the Bay Area (or pay rent) for 3 months + salaries + expenses, possibly hire some folks, while you're going through the program. The way I read it, it's bridge financing until Demo Day.
Its not about the money...
mind sharing what pushed you to apply?
We think of it more as getting into NBA or Olympic Games or becoming a Navy Seal. It is tough to get in, tough throughout and will only harden you if you don't break along the way. Being part of community and other perks also are a nice-to-have.
Honestly it sounds a bit like one of those false-validation goals that makes a founder feel good about their company when other, more objective metrics aren't looking as nice.
Like writing a blog post vs. adding a desired feature.