I'm curious about this as well. Currently bootstrapping in my bedroom. Seems like you do the same thing in YC as well but with more people and networking in process but can a network save and solve all of your problems? I think not...what it boils down to is just grinding and hustling like with any small business (and not end up like Washington Redskins from South Park)...maybe the network is important when you need to find the right people for your team or build partnerships or get an interview with Peter Thiel.