What’s Y Combinator, and why should we care?

Back in 2005, Y Combinator created a new model for funding early stage startups. Since then 700 startup companies have been funded. Today those companies represent a combined valuation of over $30 billion. One could argue they are the most prestigious startup accelerator in the world.  For ten years, year after year, they have help make massive impact in the world via tech entrepreneurship.  Here is a sampling of their portfolio: