Seconding this. Just started using it last week, learned everything I needed to know in a distraction-filled day or two. Any CSS pro could pick up HAML/SASS in a matter of hours, if not less.
Completely agree with you that #1 benefit of either Seedcamp or YC is the connections. I'm talking about the differences in approach here rather than the benefits.
Seems to me Seedcamp provides connections by surrounding teams with as many as possible. YC on the other hand seems to more carefully find the most useful connections for each individual startup so as not to create too many distractions for the teams. That said, being based in Silicon Valley has the effect of naturally surrounding teams with as many connections as possible.
I think Seedcamp's apparent interest in later stage business is not so much by design. It happens because of the way it is funded and the way funding decisions are made. They choose more mature looking startups because the funding committee collectively perceives them to be more likely to succeed.
Thank you for your comment. Good to hear other people share my view on the funding situation over here.
A couple of clarifications:
I'm not sure I'd say I'm someone who has been particularly close to Seedcamp. I've not personally taken part in any of their activities beyond networking events that happen around Seedcamp week. I am a keen observer though.
I don't see BootCycle, the 'vested interest' you mention, as being direct competition to Seedcamp. BootCycle is simply a peer support group for a small collection of pre-revenue and pre-investment startups that meets every week. BootCycle takes no equity in the startups and provides no funding. We do think some BootCycle participants are likely to go on to get funding from Seedcamp or Y Combinator. Y Combinator is more appealing for all participants except for the ones that have family commitments in the UK.
So what do you do when you are fresh out of university with a great idea and a great team with no cash. All you need is £15K to cover 3 months living expenses and roll out a first version of your app. You manage to convince some friends / family / fools to part with just enough to get you going.
The deal breaker is that everyone involved wants something on paper that they can trust covers their best interests. What goes on that piece of paper when there is no cash available to pay for a lawyer?
Animoto are using it here: http://feedback.animoto.com/pages/9153-general