It seems like Y-Combinator, TechStars and the like are focused on building innovative technology that scales with few people. But some of the fastest growing companies lately are essentially new-age marketing / lead-gen businesses built on successful sales teams with minimum technology behind them (in the beginning at least).<p>Any thoughts on how these types of companies have fared in accelerators if some have started there?
One of YC's two biggest successes, Airbnb, is very much not a tech company (though design is important for them).<p>YC was a huge magnifier of Airbnb's success. With good advice for sure, but I believe what made the really big difference was the credibility and helping hand with press and investors.<p>My impression is that YC isn't comfortable with startups that aren't <i>pure</i> technology plays. They didn't even believe in Airbnb's idea -- they only funded them because they seemed especially determined.<p>So it's clear YC can help companies like this, but it's obviously somewhat of a blind spot for them. They're getting along okay though :-)