[smt88]

Exclusivity has so much practical value than the entire university system in the US is built around it. If you participate in a program that's considered to be exclusive, you will have an easier time standing out when competing in the future. It applies to people, and it applies to companies.

[paulsutter]

If YC isn't exclusive enough for you, I'm sure you can find a more exclusive accelerator.

In the eyes of customers, I don't think it would give you an "easier time standing out when competing", but I guess everyone is entitled to place their own bets.

[smt88]

Not in the eyes of customers, but in the eyes of future investors. I don't think customers should know or care what accelerator a company went through, although Cinder does advertise itself as "YC-backed" in order to convince customers that it's not a Kickstarter scam.