How to Apply And Succeed at Y Combinator

Dalton says filling out the application can help founders clarify their business, even if they are not accepted. He describes the application as quick to complete, with limited downside and potentially large upside. Applying also means taking a risk and creating more chances for unexpected opportunities.

Dalton says being too early, too far along, too unusual, in a particular location, or in a space YC has funded before are not by themselves reasons to avoid applying. He also encourages founders to try again: many people in recent batches applied multiple times, and progress between applications can show persistence. He names good reasons not to apply, including not wanting to build the company long term, avoiding venture capital, or not building a technology startup.

Dalton advises founders to complete every part of the application, follow the instructions, and keep written answers concise. Readers look for who the founders are, what they are building, the product’s current state, evidence of demand, and what stands out. He uses GitLab’s concrete description and figure of 100,000 organizations as an example of clarity, and warns that misrepresenting revenue, traction, or background can disqualify an applicant.

YC interviews are 10-minute Zoom calls, with all founders expected to attend. Dalton says interviewers ask basic questions suited to the startup’s stage and market, and founders should listen and answer naturally rather than recite memorized speeches. Strong interviewees show command of their business, know their numbers and risks, and are honest and self-aware.

Dalton says YC sends brief feedback to interviewed applicants who are not selected. Addressing that feedback and showing progress in a later application can help, and YC tracks whether founders have acted on it. He closes by encouraging founders to keep putting themselves forward.