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Provided by Y Combinator
accelerator for early-stage startup founders, offering seed funding, mentorship, and Demo Day preparation.
YC F26 is the Fall 2026 batch of Y Combinator's startup accelerator program, expected to run October through December in San Francisco. As part of YC's four-cohort annual model introduced in 2024, the Fall batch follows what has been a record-setting year: the Winter 2026 cohort saw 14 companies reach $1 million ARR by Demo Day and 35 percent of startups score in the top 20 percent of all YC companies ever evaluated. Each accepted startup receives the standard $500,000 investment, structured as $125,000 for a seven percent equity stake on a post-money SAFE and $375,000 on a SAFE that converts at the valuation cap of the next funding round. YC's 2026 priority areas emphasize AI-native companies where removing AI would break the product entirely, spanning sectors including AI-powered agencies, stablecoin financial services, government operations, physical work guidance, and industrial modernization. The 11-week program requires full in-person participation and culminates in Demo Day, where startups pitch to roughly 1,500 invited investors. Alumni companies include Airbnb, Stripe, DoorDash, OpenAI, and Coinbase. Application dates and deadlines have not yet been announced. This resource is intended for early-stage founders planning ahead for late-2026 accelerator programs.
Y Combinator F26 is the Fall 2026 batch of the world's most influential startup accelerator. The 12-week program runs from San Francisco, investing $500,000 total: $125,000 for 7% on a post-money SAFE plus $375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE. The application deadline is August 11, 2026.
YC provides up to $500K in AWS credits, AI model credits, a dedicated YC partner, weekly dinners with founders and investors, and lifetime access to the YC alumni network of 5,000+ companies.
Every YC company gets a dedicated partner who works closely with you on product, growth, and fundraising. Weekly dinners bring together current batch founders with YC alumni and guest speakers. The program culminates in Demo Day, where you pitch to a curated audience of the world's top investors. Post-program, you retain lifetime access to the YC alumni network, internal tools, and ongoing fundraising support.
YC accepts early-stage startups in any sector. The strongest applications show exceptional founders with deep domain expertise, a clear product vision, and early signs of traction. You do not need revenue or a launched product, but you need to demonstrate that you understand your market and can execute quickly.
Applications are submitted through the YC website. The process includes a written application followed by a 10-minute video interview for finalists. Apply early - YC reviews applications on a rolling basis and space fills up.
YC F26: accelerator for early-stage startup founders, offering seed funding, mentorship, and Demo Day preparation.
Y Combinator F26 is offered by Y Combinator.
Y Combinator F26 currently lists $500K total investment: $125K for 7% post-money SAFE + $375K uncapped MFN SAFE. Up to $500K in AWS credits, AI model credits, dedicated YC partner, weekly dinners, and lifetime access to YC alumni network. as its value.
Any early-stage startup; strong founders; product with traction preferred but not required
Y Combinator F26 is listed for San Francisco, CA.