Yea I stopped applying to YC after seeing so many super-niche companies like that get funding. My theory is that they are looking for two types of companies. The first are unicorns. The rest are single-product/service niche companies that they think a larger company will acquire, and they get a quick return on their investment. I also believe that knowing one or more of the partners or alumnis will give you a significant advantage. Plus, there is always a potential for a conflict of interest with a company from one or more of the partners, which they don't disclose. Not only do they not disclose it, but they encourage you to keep reapplying every cycle. That’s unethical and deceptive. You could be giving potential competitors important information on your business.