Y Combinator (YC) is a world-renowned accelerator that provides early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and resources to refine their business models, grow their user base, and scale rapidly. YC runs a three-month intensive program four times a year—in the winter, spring, summer, and fall—helping startups achieve significant progress at all stages, from ideation to post-launch.
Program Highlights:
Intensive Startup Focus: For the 11 weeks leading up to Demo Day, founders experience an environment of intense focus, support, and motivation. Surrounded by YC partners, alumni, investors, and fellow founders, participants work continuously to improve their products and build traction.
Tailored Mentorship: Startups are grouped into four cohorts, each led by group partners who provide personalized guidance through one-on-one and group office hours. Each group is further divided into sections of 6-10 companies, ensuring founders benefit from both close-knit support and access to YC’s broader network.
Program Goals: YC aims to help startups reach their highest potential quickly by enhancing product-market fit and increasing fundraising options. By the end of the program, startups are better positioned for growth, with stronger products and increased user engagement.
YC’s alumni network and resources continue to support founders beyond the program, and many describe their time at YC as one of the most productive periods in their entrepreneurial journey. With graduates like Airbnb and Dropbox, YC has established itself as a transformative program for startups across diverse sectors and geographies.
What’s on Offer
YC invests $500,000 in every company on standard terms. The $500K investment is made on two separate safes:
- $125,000 is invested on a post-money safe in return for 7% of your company (the “$125k safe”)
- $375,000 is invested on an uncapped safe with a Most Favored Nation (“MFN”) provision (the “MFN safe”)
