Ask AI
About
Y Combinator is the leading startup accelerator for entrepreneurs. Since 2005, YC has invested in over 4,500 companies, including Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Reddit, Instacart, DoorDash, and Coinbase. Today, YC has built the most powerful startup community in the world alongside the products and programs to support founders for the life of their company.
Industry
Sector Agnostic
Program Type
Venture Capital (VC)
Accelerator
Stage
Idea
Pre-Seed
Seed
Early Stage
Requirments
Pitch Deck
Special Data Form
Video Intro
More Info
Info
Services
Criteria
Funding
YC invests $500,000 in every company on standard terms. Our $500K investment is made on 2 separate safes:
- • We invest $125,000 on a post-money safe in return for 7% of your company (the “$125k safe”)
- • We invest $375,000 on an uncapped safe with a Most Favored Nation (“MFN”) provision (the “MFN safe”)
-----------------------------------------
Goal of YC
- • Accelerate startup growth: YC aims to significantly improve startups' progress within 3 months.
- • Focus on product and funding: The primary goals are to enhance product development, increase user base, and improve fundraising opportunities.
- • Intense environment: YC provides a highly motivated and supportive atmosphere to drive startup success.
-----------------------------------------
Key Outcomes
- • Rapid progress: Many founders experience the most productive period of their lives during the 11 weeks leading up to Demo Day.
- • Personal growth: YC can help founders realize their full potential and achieve unexpected results.
- • Long-term benefits: While the initial 3-month cycle is crucial, YC's support continues through the alumni community.
-----------------------------------------
Logistics and Participation
- • Location & Participation: YC takes place in person in San Francisco, beginning with a 3-day retreat and weekly meetups. Founders can return to their base after the 3-month program.
- • Application Process: Open to any startup globally, with applications submitted online.
- • Use of Funds: The investment can be used for any business-related expenses, including paying founders' salaries and covering travel expenses to San Francisco.
- • Time Commitment: YC requires a few hours per week, with a focus on allowing founders to concentrate fully on their startups without distractions.
- • Batch Dates & Timing: Information on batch dates is available, and there is an option for early decision applications. Late applications are also accepted but reviewed as time permits.
- • Late Applications: If the deadline is missed, founders are still encouraged to apply, with decisions typically made within a month.
-----------------------------------------
Legal & Structural
- • Incorporation Requirements: Startups do not need to be incorporated before applying, but non-US companies might need to create a parent company in the US, Canada, Singapore, or the Cayman Islands.
- • Non-Profit Startups: YC funds non-profits that participate in the same batch as for-profits, with a donation of $100,000 upon obtaining 501c3 status.
-----------------------------------------
Other
- • Company Recommendations: Startups can publicize their products within the YC community through recommendations from other YC startups.
LAUNCHROAD
LaunchRoad takes the guesswork out of starting a business overseas. We streamline the entire process, from picking the perfect country for your business to handling all the complex immigration paperwork.
© LaunchRoad 2024