# Y Combinator

Organization, investor, program · [Programs and community](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/community)

Also called: YC, Y-Combinator, ycombinator, Startup School, YC Library, why combinator

A [startup accelerator](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/accelerator). It invests in each company it accepts, advises the batch of companies in [office hours](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/office-hours) and ends with a [demo day](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/demo-day). It also publishes Startup School, a free online course, and the YC Library of talks and essays for [founders](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/founder).

**For example:** A first-time [founder](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/founder) watches Startup School videos about talking to customers before applying to any program.

## Applying



Application status unknown

[Official application page](https://www.ycombinator.com)

Checked 2026-11-15.
Official site: <https://www.ycombinator.com>

## Connects to (6)

- [Accelerator](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/accelerator): A program with a fixed length that helps a group of early companies grow faster through coaching, introductions and sometimes funding.
- [SAFE](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/safe): Simple agreement for future equity.
- [Demo day](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/demo-day): The event at the end of an accelerator where each company in the cohort presents to an audience of investors.
- [Office hours](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/office-hours): A set time when founders can bring questions to an expert, a mentor or program staff, usually in short one-on-one or small group sessions.
- [Cohort](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/cohort): A group of founders or companies that go through a program together, on the same schedule.
- [Hacker News](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/hacker-news): A news and discussion site about technology and startups run by Y Combinator.

## Follow

- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/school/y-combinator)
- [X](https://twitter.com/ycombinator)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/ycombinator)
- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/YCombinator)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/ycombinator)

## Sources

- <https://www.ycombinator.com>

> This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/y-combinator