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Two hard-technology businesses YC has funded are Helion Energy and UPower.

Bikanta, Ginko Bioworks, Helion, 20n, Farmlogs, uPower...

Still, these are unusual, not the typical YC, no?

Then don't say "YC will not fund the company that will invent something new."

YC openly talks about how validating your idea and growing the business are big signals to them that you are worth the investment. But while that's the most common path, there are clearly alternatives. They are just giving advice on what might maximise your chances with them.