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Y Combinator 101

We provide the hints and tips from experienced founders, former YC Partners, and 886 Partners to allow founders to submit their best possible application.

Overview

Have a question about preparing your application? Send us your question through our Founder AMA form. For YC's own application guidance, read How to Apply to Y Combinator.

Ask an application question (opens in a new tab)How to Apply to Y Combinator (opens in a new tab)

Partner Notes

“Dig deep. Research. Know the landscape. Understand the problem deeply.”

Kevin LinTwitch Co-founder · YC Visiting Partner

“Helping founders figure out what actually matters at their stage of company, then focusing all their efforts on that is usually the first step in building a great business.”

Lyle FongLithium, now Khoros, Co-founder · YC Visiting Partner

“It’s better to know more about the problem and your customers than your product.”

Holly LiuKabam Co-founder, PKO Investments Co-founder · YC Visiting Partner

Tips

  • We are not asking for the execution or 5 or 10 year plan. We want your vision: how you want your company to be.
  • Use comparisons to existing products or companies to help your explanations.
  • Be concise when answering questions. Less is more.
  • Do not go into too many features.
  • Use simple words and an easy-going tone.

Read More

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