YC has only invested in software startups, to my knowledge. Certainly their focus is on startups founded by gifted programmers.
The one in Philadelphia, at least, will consider startups in the life sciences or pure sciences. They have ridiculous terms of service though:
>However, by posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting your Submission you are granting DreamIt Ventures, its affiliated companies and necessary sublicensees permission to use your Submission in connection with the operation of their Internet businesses including, without limitation, the rights to: copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat your Submission; and to publish your name in connection with your Submission.
I emailed them and asked about that provision; their response determines whether or not I take them seriously. My company's also further along than they are looking for, so I would want a good valuation to do their program. I would really like to do a YC style program though, I think it would be a lot of fun.
The one in Philadelphia, at least, will consider startups in the life sciences or pure sciences. They have ridiculous terms of service though:
>However, by posting, uploading, inputting, providing or submitting your Submission you are granting DreamIt Ventures, its affiliated companies and necessary sublicensees permission to use your Submission in connection with the operation of their Internet businesses including, without limitation, the rights to: copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, edit, translate and reformat your Submission; and to publish your name in connection with your Submission.
http://www.dreamitventures.com/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Terms/Defau...