Y Combinator

Backs Y Combinator, a United States startup accelerator guiding founders through program-based growth and early company development.

Y Combinator is a US startup accelerator based in San Francisco. It runs four three-month batches each year, in winter, spring, summer, and fall, and it backs early-stage companies with equity capital rather than grants.

The standard deal is $500,000 per company: $125,000 for 7% on a post-money SAFE and another $375,000 on an uncapped SAFE with an MFN provision. Companies are not charged a fee to join, and eligible corporations must be organized in the US, Canada, Cayman Islands, or Singapore.

YC's value comes from dedicated partners, group structures, office hours, Bookface, Demo Day, and an alumni network of more than 6,000 founders that stays active after the batch ends. Founders also get a three-day in-person kickoff, weekly alumni talks, and guidance on product launches and customer acquisition before the final investor showcase. It fits founders who want early capital, repeated feedback, and a fast route into investor attention, not a non-dilutive grant program.