| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Y Combinator Management, LLC |
| Founded: | March 1, 2005, Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Leader: | Garry Tan |
| Subscribers: | 2.14M |
| Views: | 92,341,115 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $92.3K - $461.7K |
| Videos: | 776 |
| Channel Created: | October 2013 |
Overview
Y Combinator Management, LLC is an American startup accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm, founded in March 2005 by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Robert Tappan Morris, and Trevor Blackwell, named after a computer science concept, and distinguished for pioneering the accelerator model by providing seed funding and structured mentorship to thousands of global startups, including notable companies like Airbnb and Stripe.
Latest News (Feb 10, 2026): Y Combinator recently reversed its decision to exclude Canadian-domiciled startups from its investment terms following industry backlash and introduced a new option for founders to receive their $500,000 investment in USDC stablecoins. The accelerator also published its 2026 Request for Startups, prioritizing AI-native systems in sectors like government, finance, and industrial manufacturing.
Founding and Early Operations
Y Combinator Management, LLC was founded in March 2005 by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Robert Tappan Morris, and Trevor Blackwell. The firm’s name is derived from a concept in computer science that involves recursive functions. The initial concept, born out of the founders’ experiences as entrepreneurs and computer scientists, was to create a new model for funding early-stage companies, focusing on smaller investments in a larger number of startups.
Initially, Y Combinator ran two concurrent programs: one in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and another in Mountain View, California. The first program, known as the “Summer Founders Program,” launched in 2005 with a small batch of startups. Among the companies in this inaugural group was Reddit. The early investment model involved providing a modest amount of seed funding, starting around $20,000, in exchange for an equity stake of approximately 6-7%. In 2009, due to the complexities of managing two separate locations, the Cambridge program was closed, and all operations were consolidated in Silicon Valley.
Evolution of the Accelerator Model
Y Combinator’s approach simplified the funding process for new companies by providing a structured, three-month program. During this period, founders work intensively to refine their products and business strategies with guidance from YC partners and mentors. The program culminates in a “Demo Day,” an event where the startups present their companies to a curated audience of investors to raise additional funding.
The firm’s standard investment deal has evolved significantly over time. After initial investments from its founders, Y Combinator began accepting outside investment, including a $2 million round led by Sequoia Capital in 2009, which allowed it to fund more companies. Sequoia invested an additional $8.25 million in 2010. In 2011, a partnership with Yuri Milner and SV Angel offered every YC company a $150,000 convertible note. The standard deal has been periodically updated, with a notable change in 2022 to an offer of $500,000.
Leadership has also transitioned over the years. Co-founder Paul Graham served as president until 2014, when he was succeeded by Sam Altman, who was part of the first YC batch. Geoff Ralston took over in 2019, followed by Garry Tan in 2023.
Expansion of Programs and Reach
Over the years, Y Combinator Management, LLC expanded its offerings beyond the core accelerator program. It launched Startup School in 2017, an online course providing resources and coaching to a broader audience of entrepreneurs. Other initiatives have included the YC Growth Program for later-stage companies and Work at a Startup, a platform to help portfolio companies hire talent.
Initially focused on for-profit software companies, Y Combinator began accepting non-profit organizations into its main program in 2013. It also broadened its scope to include more diverse sectors, such as biotechnology, with companies like Ginkgo Bioworks joining in 2014. While historically U.S.-centric, the accelerator now accepts startups from around the world. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program successfully transitioned to a remote format, which increased participation from international founders.
Notable Portfolio Companies and Impact
Y Combinator has funded over 5,000 companies since its inception. Its portfolio includes numerous high-profile technology companies that have achieved significant market valuations and public offerings. Prominent alumni include Airbnb, Stripe, Dropbox, Coinbase, DoorDash, and Instacart.
The accelerator’s model has had a profound influence on startup culture and early-stage venture capital. It is credited with popularizing the accelerator framework, which has been replicated globally. The emphasis on rapid growth, lean startup principles, and building a strong founder community has become a widely adopted template in the tech industry. The extensive alumni network is a significant resource, providing mentorship, business opportunities, and a support system for founders.