Investor profile for Y Combinator: typical check size, headquarters (San Francisco, CA), stages they lead or invest in, and links to website and social profiles. Part of the Venture Capital Tracker directory.
Y Combinator is a San Francisco startup accelerator founded in 2005. It runs winter, spring, summer, and fall batches and invests a standard $500K through two SAFEs: $125K for 7% plus $375K on an uncapped MFN SAFE.
Stage fit, check size, thesis, and how founders typically approach this firm — based on public sources and our directory.
YC commits $500,000 upon acceptance and begins the investment process immediately: $125,000 for a fixed 7% and $375,000 on an uncapped SAFE with a most-favored-nation provision.
No. The first $125,000 converts into a fixed 7%, while the separate $375,000 MFN SAFE adds ownership when it converts on later financing terms. YC also receives participation rights in future rounds.
YC primarily makes pre-seed and seed investments through its accelerator. It accepts idea-stage companies as well as launched businesses and can continue investing through participation rights in later financings.
YC currently runs four three-month batches each year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Its current program includes an in-person kickoff and regular meetups in San Francisco.
No. YC says it funds companies ranging from the idea stage to businesses with users and revenue. Founders must commit full-time if accepted.
Apply through ycombinator.com/apply. Answer the current form directly, make product links accessible, follow YC's one-minute founder-video instructions, and verify the active batch deadline on the official page.
YC fixes 7% for the first $125K and adds an MFN SAFE; Speedrun fixes 10% for the upfront $500K and commits another $500K to the next round within 18 months.
