Y Combinator Program Changes Affect Founder Experience and Global Reach

Y Combinator's founder experience has shifted from 'family-style' to larger, structured batches. This change affects how startups are shaped and YC's global impact.
By Newsroom | Business, Technology |

The Y Combinator startup accelerator has evolved significantly since its inception. Early iterations are described as more intimate, fostering a "family-style" environment. More recent programs, however, appear to involve larger cohorts and a more structured approach, reflecting YC's growth into a major business entity. This shift raises questions about the enduring core experience for founders.

I did Y Combinator in 2016 and 2025. The first time felt more 'family-style.' - 1

When Y Combinator (YC) began, it focused on founders, making it stand out. Now, YC itself has grown into a large business. Many companies in YC receive funding even before their Demo Day and before proving they can last. Some believe future YC groups could have over a thousand companies. These companies, whether they know it or not, are now shaped like YC founders.

I did Y Combinator in 2016 and 2025. The first time felt more 'family-style.' - 2

  • Early YC: Described as more "family-style."

  • Current YC: Larger batches, more structured, YC is a "giant business."

  • Founder Experience: Questions arise about how the program's growth impacts the founder journey.

Program Changes and Founder Perspectives

Y Combinator's program has seen notable changes. One founder who attended in 2016 described the experience as more "family-style." In contrast, a founder who participated in the S21 batch (approximately 400 companies) noted that YC "has changed quite a bit over the last few years." This participant also found that the all-remote nature of their batch helped them build stronger connections with other founders.

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I did Y Combinator in 2016 and 2025. The first time felt more 'family-style.' - 3

  • 2016 Batch: Recalled as more "family-style."

  • S21 Batch: Larger cohort (around 400 companies), all-remote format, reported increased founder relationships.

The YC Application and Selection Process

The path to YC often involves an application and interview process. One startup shared their journey after being initially rejected by YC. They used the opportunity to showcase their thinking, passion, and determination. They sought feedback through open office hours to assess if their idea was viable for YC backing.

I did Y Combinator in 2016 and 2025. The first time felt more 'family-style.' - 4

  • Rejection and Reapplication: Some founders face initial rejection before being accepted.

  • Focus on Core Strengths: The application process requires clear writing, and interviews emphasize founder strengths.

  • Office Hours: Founders can access YC partners for ongoing advice.

Financial and Life Stage Considerations for Founders

Participating in YC can present different challenges based on a founder's life stage. Younger founders, often students, typically have fewer financial burdens. However, as founders age, practical concerns arise. For instance, someone in their 30s might find it harder to "live cheaply" due to higher expenses like mortgages or family needs. This can lead to a higher burn rate.

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"You raise money, or get profitable. How Can You Afford to Do YC When You’re So Old? Do People Look At You Funny Because You’re So Old? Doing Y Combinator In Your 30s It can be more difficult to do YC when you're advanced in years, but there are advantages, too. Living cheaply is a bit harder to do when you’re older; when you’re 31, you’re more likely to have a high burn rate (due to family, mortgage, or more expensive lifestyle, etc.)."

  • Student Founders: Generally have lower financial pressures.

  • Older Founders (30s+): May face higher living costs and burn rates due to established responsibilities.

  • Responsibility: Founders take on significant responsibility when they hire employees, who depend on them for income. If financial recovery is needed, clear communication about the plan is crucial.

YC's Growing Influence and Global Reach

Y Combinator's influence has expanded globally, though its success has varied by region. Startups in Indonesia that were part of YC raised considerably more than similar companies. However, YC's appeal in Southeast Asia appears to be diminishing, and a planned YC China program never materialized. Despite these regional shifts, YC has established itself as a significant force in the startup ecosystem.

  • India: YC startups have achieved substantial financial gains.

  • Asia: YC's reputation was a key draw, but its presence faces challenges.

  • Global Impact: YC continues to shape the startup landscape worldwide.

Expert Insights on Program Changes

  • Paul Graham, a founder of Y Combinator, has been instrumental in its early development. His focus on founders set YC apart.

  • Geoff Ralston, a recent figure at YC, has remarked on the potential for future batches to be very large, possibly exceeding a thousand companies.

Conclusion and Unanswered Questions

The evidence suggests Y Combinator has undergone a significant transformation. The shift from an intimate, "family-style" program to a larger, more business-oriented entity is evident. This evolution raises important questions:

  • Has the core mentorship and support for individual founders been diluted as batch sizes have increased?

  • Does the all-remote format, while potentially fostering broader connections, alter the intensity and nature of the in-person networking that defined earlier YC experiences?

  • How do the differing financial and life circumstances of founders impact their ability to fully leverage the YC program and its outcomes?

Further investigation into specific founder outcomes across different eras and batch sizes could provide a clearer picture of YC's sustained impact.

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Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How has the Y Combinator program changed since it started?
Y Combinator started as a small, 'family-style' program focused on founders. Now, it is a much larger business with bigger groups of companies, and its approach is more structured.
Q: How does the larger size of Y Combinator batches affect founders?
With larger batches, some founders feel the intimate 'family-style' feeling of early YC programs may be less present. The program's growth means more companies are shaped by the YC model.
Q: Did the all-remote format of Y Combinator's S21 batch help founders connect?
Yes, a founder from the S21 batch, which had around 400 companies and was all-remote, found that the online format helped them build stronger connections with other founders.
Q: Can older founders in their 30s have a harder time with Y Combinator?
Founders in their 30s may face more financial challenges, like mortgages or family costs, making it harder to 'live cheaply' and potentially leading to a higher burn rate during the program.
Q: Has Y Combinator been equally successful in all parts of the world?
YC startups have done very well in places like India. However, YC's influence seems to be less in Southeast Asia, and a planned program for China never happened.