by Y Combinator
Y Combinator is the world's most prestigious startup accelerator, investing $500,000 in early-stage companies through its iconic 3-month batch program. YC has funded over 5,000 startups including Airbnb, Stripe, Dropbox, and Reddit.
Apply Now$500,000 investment
3 months (batch) + ongoing support
Global
Open to founders of any age, nationality, and background. At least one founder must be able to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area for the 3-month batch. Companies at any stage from idea to post-revenue are eligible.
Biannual (Winter and Summer batches)
October 2025 (Winter), April 2026 (Summer)
Y Combinator is widely regarded as the most influential startup accelerator in the world. Founded in 2005 by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Robert Morris, and Trevor Blackwell, YC has funded over 5,000 companies with a combined valuation exceeding $600 billion. The program runs twice a year in San Francisco, with each batch accepting roughly 200-250 companies.
YC invests $500,000 in each startup: $125,000 for 7% equity through the standard deal, plus $375,000 on an uncapped SAFE. In return, founders get three months of intensive mentorship, weekly dinners with successful founders and investors, and access to the most powerful alumni network in startups. The batch culminates in Demo Day, where companies pitch to a curated audience of top investors.
The YC alumni network is unmatched. Companies like Airbnb, Stripe, Coinbase, DoorDash, Instacart, Reddit, Dropbox, Twitch, and Cruise all went through YC. The "YC mafia" effect means that being a YC company opens doors with customers, partners, recruits, and investors for years after the program.
YC provides funding, mentorship, and the most powerful startup network in the world.
YC evaluates founders first and ideas second. They are looking for determined people who can build quickly and adapt.
The YC application is famously short and focused on substance over polish.
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