Y Combinator

Y Combinator (YC) is a renowned American technology startup accelerator founded in 2005 by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Trevor Blackwell, and Robert Morris. Its mission is to enable founders to build the next generation of great companies by providing seed funding, mentorship, and a powerful network. YC's investment thesis centers on identifying early-stage startups with strong founding teams, innovative ideas, and significant market potential, regardless of industry. They typically invest a standard amount for a small equity stake, with the goal of helping companies achieve rapid growth and secure further funding.

YC is best known for its intensive, three-month accelerator program, which culminates in 'Demo Day,' where founders present their companies to a curated audience of investors. Beyond the core accelerator, YC also runs programs like Startup School, a free online course for aspiring founders, and has initiatives focused on specific sectors or geographies. While their primary geographic focus is on startups that can scale globally, a significant portion of their portfolio companies are based in the United States, particularly Silicon Valley, though they actively recruit internationally.

Their portfolio boasts an impressive list of unicorns and highly successful companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Reddit, Coinbase, DoorDash, and GitLab, among many others. What makes YC stand out is its highly selective process, the depth of its mentorship network (comprising successful founders and industry experts), and its proven track record of consistently producing high-growth companies. They have cultivated a strong brand and a powerful alumni network that provides ongoing support and collaboration opportunities for their founders, making them one of the most prestigious and impactful accelerators globally.

Mountain View, California, USA Founded 2005

Open Programs

Summer 2025 Batch
Y Combinator
The world's most prestigious accelerator, empowering early-stage startups to build, grow, and fundraise.
San Francisco, USA

Past Programs

Spring 2026 Batch
Y Combinator
Accelerate your startup with Y Combinator's world-renowned program and network.
San Francisco, USA Due: Closed

Y Combinator Spring 2026 Batch
Y Combinator
Build the next big thing with Y Combinator: Funding, mentorship, and an unrivaled network.
San Francisco, USA Due: Closed

Y Combinator Winter 2025 Batch
Y Combinator
Accelerating the world's most promising startups through intensive mentorship and seed funding.
Remote Due: Closed

Y Combinator Fall 2025 Batch
Y Combinator
The Fall 2025 batch runs from October to November in San Francisco. A prestigious accelerator program for promising startups aiming for rapid growth and fundraising success.
San Francisco, USA Due: Closed

Fall 2025 Batch
Y Combinator
Build the next generation of industry-defining companies with Y Combinator's Fall 2025 batch.
San Francisco, USA Due: Closed

Spring 2025 Batch
Y Combinator
Build the next big thing with Y Combinator: Funding, mentorship, and a world-class network for early-stage startups.
San Francisco, USA Due: Closed

Winter 2025 Batch
Y Combinator
Known for its hands-on mentorship and investment, Y Combinator has helped launch renowned companies such as Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit. Focuses on accelerating startups with funding.
Remote Due: Closed