What is the value of being part of YC's network? Perhaps it matters if your product/startup is struggling.
You can cold email any YC founder, I think they would be just as likely to help you (work with you) than a fellow YC founder.
You can cold email any YC founder, I think they would be just as likely to help you (work with you) than a fellow YC founder.
That being said, it does not mean that who can cold email anyone from YC and expect an answer. As always, you have to mind your manners :)
2) The Alumni network for successful YC companies is probably harder to tap into from the outside than you are thinking. You'd have a hard time getting a meeting with a founder of Stripe than, say, someone from the '14 summer class.
I just think if you have a good value proposition, and you are mindful of people's time, they will work with you regardless.
Of course not. Nobody here is suggesting that this would solve all of your problems, just that it would be helpful.