A lot of startups ask me for feedback on their startup idea. Most of the time I am not an expert in their field nor a potential user.

I believe founders do this because they think that investors are the gatekeepers of the startup world and they want me to "like their idea" and accept them into YC.

In reality customers are the gatekeepers of the startup world. If your product can get customers and retain customers, investors (including YC) will happily to give you money.

So if you want investment, don't ask for product feedback - share your numbers and ask for money. If you want product feedback, try cold emailing potential users and founders who have tried and failed to solve a similar problem in the past.

With short and carefully written emails to these two groups (users / former founders), you'll be surprised how many amazing product insights you can get for free.

Another hack is to email early employees at startups in your space who have failed. They often have as many insights as the founders and can be easier to get in touch with.