Apply for the Y Combinator Program Now!
Deadline: October 13, 2023
Y Combinator (YC) is looking for startups to join its Winter 2024 funding program. Their main goal is to help startups grow and succeed. Startups can be at various stages, some just starting out, and others already running for a year or more. Regardless of their stage, YC aims to make them much Better in just three months.
What Does “Better” Mean for Startups?
For most startups, being “better” means having a better product that more people use and having more opportunities to get funding. YC is known for its intense environment focused entirely on startups for three months. During this time, everyone around you, including other founders, alumni, speakers, and investors, is dedicated to helping your startup succeed. This creates a highly motivating atmosphere, which is essential for the challenging journey of starting a business.
The Most Productive Time
Many founders say the 11 weeks leading up to Demo Day (where they present their progress) are the most productive period in their lives. While YC support continues after the three-month cycle, these 11 weeks are the most crucial. YC believes that the right conditions can bring out the best in people, and this program helps founders realize their full potential.
Funding Information
YC invests $500,000 in every company following these terms:
- They invest $125,000 in exchange for 7% of your company (the “125k safe”).
- They invest $375,000 with certain terms (the “MFN safe”).
Who Can Apply?
Any startup from anywhere in the world can apply. However, if your company is already registered outside the United States, Canada, Singapore, or the Cayman Islands, you’ll need to create a parent company in one of these jurisdictions to participate in YC.
Location and Activities
The program takes place in San Francisco and starts with a 3-day in-person retreat. It includes weekly meetups in San Francisco.
For more details, visit the Y Combinator website.