This switch back to in-person Demo Days is a logical move. While both the accelerator program and its Demo Days went to an online, virtual format in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program itself returned to being an in-person event and has been so for two years now. Meanwhile, YC has been an instrumental part of encouraging more startups to locate themselves in the Bay Area generally, and San Francisco in particular. In addition to its accelerator program, it throws numerous other in-person events for its alumni and the startup community.