[kvee]

I think it has something to do with the idea that 3% of YC applicants have a 100% chance of getting an interview.

If you follow PG's ethos perfectly maybe you choose to work at a great startup that is going to succeed and then you start your own. Work at Justin.tv, and then start Twitch/ZeroCater

[Xodarap]

I would disagree with the causality. The sort of person who can get an influential job in a top-tier startup is probably also the sort of person who can start a good company.

[kvee]

Sure. And that person would benefit from working at the top tier startup before starting his own.

[elyrly]

place/time and a sprinkle of luck