It’s not like an Ivy League, it’s more like joining a frat, but for startups. Except, it used to be more fun, when all companies worked at the same location and you could bump into people in halls and then go do keg stands after work or sleep on couches, etc.
Now it’s just remote webinar garbage, talk to some people on Zoom, etc.
I think it would have always been the same for overseas companies - I've had several YC-founder friends, and the experience is vastly different if you're YC-in-the-Bay versus YC-elsewhere.
The Ivy League is talked about and well known all over and public knowledge your neighbor your aunt, your wife, your mother, the guy who owns the local bakery etc. It's an international brand.
YC known in the startup community. Most likely the guy who runs the local 200 person wholesale operation wouldn't even know about it unless he read about it in the WSJ he reads print edition. Go to sell to that company and they will say HUH what's that mean 'YC'.
Now it’s just remote webinar garbage, talk to some people on Zoom, etc.