Y Combinator Accelerator
The most well-known startup accelerator — $500K for 7% (standard deal) plus 12 weeks of intensive support and Demo Day.
Quick answer
Y Combinator offers eligible startups up to $500,000 in funding and resources, in exchange for equity. An application is required, and it is open to startups worldwide (pre-seed – seed).
Available programs
$500,000
Y Combinator
$125K on a SAFE for 7% + $375K on an uncapped MFN SAFE. 12 weeks of programming, group office hours, and Demo Day.
- $500K investment ($125K + $375K)
- 12-week intensive program
- Group office hours + partner 1:1s
- Demo Day to top-tier investors
- Bookface + lifetime alumni network
Free
Startup School
Free 7-week online course (1–2 hours/week) covering startup fundamentals, with co-founder matching and access to the wider YC community. Separate from the main YC accelerator — no equity, no application.
- Free 7-week structured curriculum
- Co-founder matching tool
- Weekly progress tracking
- Access to the YC alumni community and partner deals
Best for
Do you qualify for Y Combinator?
You likely qualify if
- You have a strong founding team and can demonstrate fast progress
- You are building something a large or fast-growing market wants
- You can accept the standard deal: $500K ($125K for 7% on a post-money SAFE plus $375K on an uncapped MFN SAFE)
You won't qualify if
- You are a solo non-technical founder with no product, traction, or path to building one
- You are unwilling to give up equity or relocate/commit to the batch and Demo Day
Common rejection reasons
- Extremely competitive: acceptance is roughly 1% of 20,000-40,000+ applicants per batch
- Weak application clarity, unproven market, or a team that fails to convince at interview
How to apply for Y Combinator
-
1
Pick your path
The YC accelerator takes equity and runs two batches a year. Startup School is free, open to anyone, and takes no equity.
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2
Prepare your application
For the accelerator, complete the written application, founder video, and prep for the interview.
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3
Apply via Y Combinator
Submit at ycombinator.com/apply.
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4
Interview & join
Accepted startups get the $500k standard deal plus 3 months of intensive support and Demo Day.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Y Combinator commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Y Combinator give startups?
Y Combinator provides eligible startups with up to $500,000 in funding and resources across its programs.
Does Y Combinator take equity from startups?
Yes — Y Combinator's program involves giving up equity. Review the terms before applying.
Who qualifies for Y Combinator?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: YC accelerator: founders work full-time on the startup; two batches per year (Winter + Summer); application + video + interview process; Startup School: open to anyone, no application or equity required.
Is Y Combinator free for startups?
Applying is free. Y Combinator provides up to $500,000 in funding and resources in exchange for equity.
How do I apply for Y Combinator?
1) Pick your path, 2) Prepare your application, 3) Apply via Y Combinator, 4) Interview & join. Full steps are on this page.
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