Y Combinator

To get noticed by Y Combinator (YC), you need to understand the game they're playing. They aren't looking for a perfect business plan, but rather a few more fundamental things.

Let's put it this way: you can think of YC as a highly experienced angel investor who has seen countless successful and failed startups. Based on this experience, they've developed certain preferences...

Hey there! When it comes to the changes at Y Combinator (YC) over the past few years, there's quite a lot to talk about. If you had asked me a few years ago, I might have described it as a standardize...

Simply put, YC's "Office Hours" are like a "specialist consultation" or "premium tutoring session" arranged for founders. Imagine you're a new driver, and you're told to get straight onto the highway ...

Let's put it this way: getting into YC is much harder than getting into Harvard or Stanford. The commonly cited acceptance rate fluctuates between 1.5% and 3%.

Hey man, applying to YC is a bit like a blind date – first impressions are super important. Many screw it up, not because their idea is bad, but because they make some very basic mistakes.

Imagine you're a chef wanting to open a brand new "Future Burger Joint." You personally think mustard and pineapple are a perfect match in a burger, but will customers actually buy it? YC's role is li...

If you're applying to YC, reading Paul Graham's (PG) essays is essential homework. He has many articles, but a few are widely considered "bibles" – you'll truly be at a disadvantage if you don't read ...

Actually, from an official perspective, there's no difference between the two batches except for the timing. YC itself consistently emphasizes that the quality, admission standards, and resources avai...

Hey man, if you're thinking about applying to YC, location really isn't the biggest hurdle. I've seen several international teams get in; the key is whether you and your project are strong enough.

Let's put it this way: for early-stage companies, the value of the YC alumni network might far exceed the money YC gives you. It's not just a nice-to-have; it's a tangible core resource.

Okay, I'm familiar with this. I'll help you understand how the folks at YC pick teams, trying to explain it in simple terms. The entire process mainly involves two hurdles: Application Material Screen...

Let's put it this way: the money YC provides is merely a "ticket"; the real value lies in what's behind that ticket. Imagine what you gain by joining one of the world's most elite clubs for entreprene...

This statement might sound like common sense, but it's practically the golden rule for all successful startups, especially for early-stage entrepreneurs.

You can imagine YC's Demo Day as a 'grand finale talent show' combined with a 'graduation ceremony' specifically for startups. How Does It Work? Imagine a grand hall filled with the world's top invest...

No problem, I'm quite familiar with this. Many people get a bit confused when they first encounter YC's terms, but if we break it down, it's actually quite simple.

Oh, speaking of Y Combinator (YC for short), it has produced so many incredible companies, truly earning its reputation as the "Whampoa Military Academy" of the startup world.

Of course, this is quite an interesting topic to discuss. Y Combinator (which we usually abbreviate as YC) has several founders, but the true spiritual leader is Paul Graham.

Alright, let me walk you through the entire YC application process, trying to keep it as conversational as if we were just chatting. Imagine applying to YC is like your startup participating in a "top...

You can think of Y Combinator (YC for short) as the "Harvard or Stanford of the startup world" or a "special forces training camp." It's not just a place that provides desks and meeting rooms.