"We don't make any formal promise about secrecy, but we don't plan to let anyone outside Y Combinator see these applications, including other startups we fund."
That addresses the question partially. It says they're not going to do anything short-sighted and evil like others might.
I think it's wise to trust the YC partners not to do anything intentionally nefarious, but to assume the worst of their unconscious minds.
When smart people read hundreds of ideas its got to cause a huge swarm in their heads. Most of the ideas get immediately buried in the unconscious. There's a definite chance a YC applicant's idea could eventually emerge and find its way in into a YC-funded company, in some form.
I definitely don't think this is a reason to not submit your application though. Everyone is going to know your idea after you launch anyway. If secrecy is your biggest asset you're in so much trouble this is a trivial concern.
Comments
From the application form:
"We don't make any formal promise about secrecy, but we don't plan to let anyone outside Y Combinator see these applications, including other startups we fund."
That addresses the question partially. It says they're not going to do anything short-sighted and evil like others might.
I think it's wise to trust the YC partners not to do anything intentionally nefarious, but to assume the worst of their unconscious minds.
When smart people read hundreds of ideas its got to cause a huge swarm in their heads. Most of the ideas get immediately buried in the unconscious. There's a definite chance a YC applicant's idea could eventually emerge and find its way in into a YC-funded company, in some form.
I definitely don't think this is a reason to not submit your application though. Everyone is going to know your idea after you launch anyway. If secrecy is your biggest asset you're in so much trouble this is a trivial concern.