Pitch guide
How to pitch Y Combinator
The world's most influential startup accelerator.
Quick facts
- Type
- Check size
- Stages
- Sectors
- Based in
- Portfolio depth
- Website
- Twitter / X
The 4-step playbook
1. Confirm fit
Before spending a minute writing a cold email, make sure your startup matches Y Combinator's actual focus. They invest in AI, SaaS, Fintech, Dev Tools, Marketplace. They're most active at pre seed, seed stage. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Y Combinator works occasionally but the conversion is brutal. Find a mutual connection: a portfolio founder, an LP, or a fellow VC who's co-invested with them. LinkedIn's "see who else they're connected with" view is your best tool. If you have no mutuals, build relationships in their community first — comment thoughtfully on their content, attend events they speak at, get on their radar.
3. Tight 10-slide deck + clear ask
Your deck should be 10–12 slides covering: problem, solution, why now, market, traction, business model, team, competition, what you're raising, and the ask. For inspiration, look at decks from Airbnb, Stripe, DoorDash — companies Y Combinator backed early. See our pitch deck archive for slide-by-slide breakdowns of famous decks.
4. Follow up like a pro
If they pass, ask for one piece of honest feedback and one referral. Don't argue. Don't beg. Investors talk — and the founders who handle no's gracefully are the ones they remember when their next round opens. Keep Y Combinator on your update list for 6-month progress mails even after a pass; many funded deals come from second tries.
Frequently asked questions
What does Y Combinator invest in?
Y Combinator focuses on AI, SaaS, Fintech, Dev Tools, Marketplace. Geography: Global.
What stages does Y Combinator invest at?
Y Combinator primarily invests at pre seed, seed stage.
What's a typical check size from Y Combinator?
Y Combinator writes checks of $500K standard deal.
Where is Y Combinator based?
Y Combinator is headquartered in San Francisco, USA and was founded in 2005.
How do I contact Y Combinator?
The best way to reach Y Combinator is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://www.ycombinator.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@ycombinator).
What are Y Combinator's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Y Combinator include Airbnb, Stripe, DoorDash, Coinbase, Reddit.