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Y CombinatorActive

Y Combinator

A global accelerator investing through two SAFE instruments and running an in-person cohort; applications are worldwide.

Visit official websiteLast verified: 2026-08-25

Official facts

Quick Facts

Provider
Y Combinator
Programme type
Accelerator / Advisory / matching
Target stage
Idea / Pre-MVP / MVP / Pre-seed / Seed
Maximum support
US$500,000: US$125,000 for 7% plus US$375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE
Duration
Cohort based; Fall 2026 is in person in San Francisco
Matching required
No
Equity required
Yes
Hong Kong company required
No
Company age limit
Not publicly specified
Team requirement
Not publicly specified
Application status
Active
Application model
Batch / cohort

Editorial analysis

Who is it for?

This fit analysis is based on published eligibility and programme positioning. It is not an admission guarantee.

High-growth technology startups willing to join the San Francisco cohort and accept the standard SAFE deal.

Founder profile
Solo founderFounder teamInternational founder
Stage fit
IdeaPre-MVPMVPPre-seedSeed
Sector fit
AI / Machine LearningSaaSSoftwareDeep TechRoboticsHardwareFinTechGreenTechBiotechnologyHealthTechConsumer
These fit tags are our interpretation of published eligibility, not an official commitment.

Who is probably not a good fit?

Teams outside the published applicant, sector, stage or company conditions should not apply solely because of the headline support. Check the current guide and weigh administration, cash-flow and reporting costs.

Financial and operating support

Maximum support
US$500,000: US$125,000 for 7% plus US$375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE
Payment model
Not reimbursement-based
Stackability
A Hong Kong startup can apply, but accepted companies should confirm the final investable entity structure directly with YC.
Double funding and cash flow
This is equity/SAFE financing. It can coexist with grants only where grant agreements permit and funded costs remain compliant.

Eligibility

Published requirements

  • startup from any country, subject to YC selection and entity diligence
Practical recommendation

Before investing in an application, verify applicant entity, company age, team, IP, budget, matching cash and eligible costs. Ask the programme directly about anything not published.

Editorial analysis

Application process

Unless an official guide says otherwise, this is an application-preparation framework, not an official assessment sequence or timing promise.

  1. 1

    Read the latest programme page and guide

  2. 2

    Confirm applicant, stage and sector eligibility

  3. 3

    Prepare project, team, budget and supporting evidence

  4. 4

    Apply through the official channel and answer assessment requests

  5. 5

    After admission, follow the agreement for milestones, reporting and claims

Sources

Official Resource Library

We provide official links, versions and structured explanations only. Original documents are not rehosted.

This page provides a plain-language interpretation of official materials. The official source remains authoritative.

Official webpage

Y Combinator official programme source

The provider's official programme page for checking current purpose, eligibility, support and application access.

Original language
English
Version
Standard YC deal
Published
Not publicly specified
Last verified
2026-08-25
View official document
Application form

Y Combinator Application

Supplementary official material. Check the source document, version and latest programme notice before applying.

Original language
English
Version
Not publicly specified
Published
Not publicly specified
Last verified
2026-08-25
View official document
FAQ

Y Combinator Frequently Asked Questions

Supplementary official material. Check the source document, version and latest programme notice before applying.

Original language
English
Version
Not publicly specified
Published
Not publicly specified
Last verified
2026-08-25
View official document

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Relevant strategies

AI / Software / SaaSValidate demand cheaply and use cloud credits before choosing HKSTP, Cyberport or institutional capital.

Related official updates

No directly related item is currently indexed in the official-updates dataset.

Related visa and status guides

Starting a company or receiving support does not automatically create visa, extension or permanent-residence eligibility. Immigration decisions remain case-specific.

General Employment PolicyAn employment route generally based on a genuine professional role with a Hong Kong employer.Quality Migrant Admission SchemeAn admission route for highly skilled or talented applicants.Hong Kong permanent residence and right of abodeUnderstand ordinary residence, the seven-year requirement and long-term status planning.

Sources and maintenance

Each programme links to a primary source and records the current page or guide version. Editorial strategy is maintained separately from official facts.

This knowledge base provides general business information, not legal, tax, accounting, investment or immigration advice. Obtain professional advice before signing shareholder, investment, IP, employment or funding documents.