Just build cool stuff, not products you feel will appeal to investors or customers. As both groups are unpredictable but at the same time you shouldn't have to try to pander to what they're looking for. You need to have an interest in what the product is and be flexible to pivot.<p>If you're building something for someone else you aren't very agile and can very easily become stuck as a company.<p>If you don't get into YC giving up is the worst thing to do, you should apply to YC for the experience not just for YC.<p>Otherwise will you just stop doing the startup after YC? These are questions people will have in their minds.<p>Good luck, interesting piece and some very valid and great points in there.