My startup (courier.com • YC S19) was idea-stage and I did not have meaningful pedigree nor had I previously started a successful startup.

Read something recently that many serial entrepreneurs seek VC funding rather than fund the effort themselves (even when they have the cash to do so). Often the connections provided by a VC are just as important.

Geoff from YC and Patrick from Stripe did a chat with an Irish audience late last week. One thing that resonated with me was the fact YC provided encouragement along the way when the Stripe founders were unsure the venture would work.

I bet you are right. Would love to see some kind of metric on this.