"The best companies didn't have political alliances because their product was awesome and they mostly knew it"
Even if you have a great product, some industries, like advertising or public sector, are an order of magnitude harder to sell to if you're not really well connected.
It seems like this is largely the point of a startup accelerator. In exchange for equity you get cash, advice, and introductions to investors who have connections in the relevant area.
Even if you have a great product, some industries, like advertising or public sector, are an order of magnitude harder to sell to if you're not really well connected.