Your point is red herring. TechStars and YC investments are actually structured similarly (with slight differences, e.g. YC uses safe instead of convert debt) and primarily to optimize for tax. Not a single sophisticated investor will look at the valuation implied by YC or TechStars initial seed as indication of value. In fact, there is a very recent example of an up-and-coming consumer startup that closed a small seed round at ~$3mm valuation immediately after they got into an accelerator and at much higher valuation post demo day. VCs simply don't view accelerator rounds as "down rounds" and understand that value is likely to go up along with their mark.
Unfortunately for OP, they miss on each point by about a mile, come across as bit inexperienced (even arrogant) and at the same time lost on an opportunity to learn about building and growing a high tech business.
1. No Large Exits. Large exits are few and far between in general. On the other hand, TechStars has very few (~10?) startups per batch in any given city which could be why they haven't seen large exits yet.
2. Progress Stats. Don't see how an accelerator can help you hustle growth and how this is a relevant metric for evaluating an accelerator. Hustle is something that will always be squarely in founders' court and while mentors can help you with advice and intros, the results will largely depend on founders' efforts. If you are B2B, then access to alumni company network could be helpful.
3. Raising Capital Does Not Equate to Success. No, but it is very important particularly at an early stage where your sole purpose is to build something people want and grow it as fast as you can.
4. Equity. Math is wrong. Also, see above on the implied valuation point.
5. Mentorship Is Not The Primary Focus. I have no basis to judge this but highly doubt that OP would have any basis either since they didn't actually go through the program. Focus on demo day makes sense, especially as you approach it. Raising funding and giving your business a runway to growth is important.
Unfortunately for OP, they miss on each point by about a mile, come across as bit inexperienced (even arrogant) and at the same time lost on an opportunity to learn about building and growing a high tech business.
1. No Large Exits. Large exits are few and far between in general. On the other hand, TechStars has very few (~10?) startups per batch in any given city which could be why they haven't seen large exits yet.
2. Progress Stats. Don't see how an accelerator can help you hustle growth and how this is a relevant metric for evaluating an accelerator. Hustle is something that will always be squarely in founders' court and while mentors can help you with advice and intros, the results will largely depend on founders' efforts. If you are B2B, then access to alumni company network could be helpful.
3. Raising Capital Does Not Equate to Success. No, but it is very important particularly at an early stage where your sole purpose is to build something people want and grow it as fast as you can.
4. Equity. Math is wrong. Also, see above on the implied valuation point.
5. Mentorship Is Not The Primary Focus. I have no basis to judge this but highly doubt that OP would have any basis either since they didn't actually go through the program. Focus on demo day makes sense, especially as you approach it. Raising funding and giving your business a runway to growth is important.