Y Combinator
A three-month accelerator batch plus lifelong access to the YC founder network
$500K investment, batch program, and lifelong YC network and perks access
- Best for
- Idea, Pre-seed
- Available in
- Global
- Program type
- Accelerator
- Last verified
- Apr 19, 2026
About this program
Y Combinator is, for most early founders, the most recognizable path to the startup world. The program combines a relatively small but well-known investment with an intensive three-month batch, access to a founder community with thousands of active members, and an in-demand set of mentors and investors at Demo Day. The current standard investment is a $500K package on YC's SAFE paperwork, with an uncapped portion designed to avoid setting a cap before a priced round.
Apart from the investment and batch, much of the value of YC in year two and beyond comes from the YC network: alumni introductions, the YC Deals partner perks (which bundle a large volume of credits from the providers commonly listed on this directory), and the ongoing content and office-hours model. For founders evaluating accelerators, YC has the strongest global brand and the widest alumni community, though the selection rate is low and the batch experience is genuinely demanding.
What you get
- $500K investment, batch program, and lifelong YC network and perks access
- Up to $500K in total value
- 3-month window to apply benefits
- Offer type: Accelerator · Mentorship
Eligibility
Founder teams building technology startups. No prior revenue, funding, or product is required, though demonstrated traction or a prototype helps. YC reviews founders as much as ideas, and most applicants are pre-incorporation or very early-stage.
- Stage
- Idea, Pre-seed
- Region
- Global
- Incorporation required
- Not required
How to apply
- Visit ycombinator.com/apply to see the current open batch. YC runs four batches per year (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall), so applications are open year-round for one batch or another.
- Fill out the written application, including founder backgrounds, the idea, and any early product or traction.
- Submit a short founder video alongside the written application.
- Promising applicants are invited to a video-conference interview. Decisions follow shortly after.
- Accepted teams complete YC's standard SAFE paperwork, plan for in-person time at YC's San Francisco campus for the batch, and begin the three-month program.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current YC investment?
YC's standard deal is $500,000 total, split into two SAFEs: a $125,000 post-money SAFE in exchange for 7% of the company, and a $375,000 uncapped SAFE with a Most Favored Nation provision. The uncapped portion converts alongside the next priced round.
Do I have to be in San Francisco during the batch?
Current batches are in-person at YC's San Francisco campus, starting with a three-day kick-off and featuring regular meetups through the batch. The exact mix of in-person and remote has varied over time, so check the current batch page before applying.
Do I need a co-founder to apply?
Solo founders are accepted, though most admitted teams have at least two founders. If you are solo, expect specific questions about the founding team during the interview.
What are YC Deals?
YC Deals is a partner perks marketplace accessible to YC-backed companies. It bundles credit and discount packages from many of the providers in this directory, including AWS, Google Cloud, Stripe, and others.
You'll be redirected to Y Combinator to apply. FounderDeals never handles applications.
Alternatives to Y Combinator
Other accelerators & grants programs founders weigh against Y Combinator. Each links out to the provider's official page.