Ask PG: Do you invest in any startups outside of YC?
Do you invest, advise or other ways involved with any co.s that choose not to participate in YC or have matured beyond a YC stage? Some startups need more your sage advice, than any investment.
YC itself is more about advice than investment.
But in answer to your question, no, except for one startup from Imagine K12.
Would you consider the IK12 Start Fund an investment in other startups? Or is that just more of a general investment?
Is there any other option for my (slightly) grown-up startup with a ton of traction to come pitch you?
p.s I did read the YC FAQ etc. But hoping that might be just the "official line" :-)
If I was in your situation and my startup closely aligned with pg's interests what I'd do is find a mutual contact who pg trusts and will give you a rave introduction.
For that matter the same applies to any other investor.
Honestly you are probably better off doing YC around when you'd do a Series A, or even slightly after, assuming all your investors would be ok with it (they should be), vs. really early.
I love that pg actually browses hn and responds to questions like this.