Y Combinator Winter 2027 Batch
Under Y Combinator Accelerator Batches by Y Combinator
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Quick Answer
Y Combinator's Winter 2027 batch (January–March, San Francisco) invests $500K in early-stage startups and adds partner mentorship, a founder network and investor introductions.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Equity
- Provider
- Y Combinator
- Application deadline
- 1d — 3 Nov 2026
- Location
- International
About this funding program
Y Combinator (YC) is a renowned American seed accelerator that has funded over 4,000 startups, including Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox. Its core program, offered in batches throughout the year, provides early-stage companies with seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a powerful network. The Winter 2027 Batch is an in-person, three-month program held at YC's campus in San Francisco. Startups selected for the batch receive guidance from experienced YC General Partners, who are themselves successful founders and work closely with a small group of companies. The program features regular meetups, talks by eminent startup founders, and opportunities for networking within the YC alumni community. YC's mission is to help founders make something people want, guiding them through product development, market fit, and fundraising. Beyond the batch, YC continues to support its alumni for the lifetime of their company, fostering a strong and mutually supportive global community.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Funding providers
Y Combinator is a startup accelerator based in San Francisco that runs a three-month batch four times a year, in the winter, spring, summer and fall. Its application process is open to any startup anywhere in the world, and an Indian founder can apply today without incorporating…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
What You Get
YC invests $500,000 in every accepted company: $125,000 on a post-money SAFE for a fixed 7%, and $375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE. YC also takes a pro rata right to invest in later rounds, and charges no fees to join. The money comes as soon as you're accepted, before the batch starts. Each company also gets $12M+ in free credits and deals from partners including OpenAI, Anthropic, AWS, Google Cloud, Azure and Stripe. Near the end of the batch, YC introduces companies to its investor network to raise more.
- Duration
- 3 months
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Apply online. Promising applicants are invited to interview, mostly by video call in November and December. YC usually decides the same day as the interview and gives every interviewed founder detailed feedback. If you apply by the on-time deadline (November 2, 8pm PT), you'll hear back by December 11. Late applications are still read, but with no set reply date.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your startup's application through the Y Combinator online portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Y Combinator Winter 2027 Batch?
It is a 3-month in-person accelerator program held at YC's campus in San Francisco, providing seed funding, mentorship, and network access to early-stage startups.
What kind of companies does Y Combinator invest in?
Y Combinator invests in a wide range of early-stage companies from various industries, focusing on strong teams and innovative ideas with significant market potential.
Is relocation to San Francisco required?
Yes, the Winter 2027 Batch takes place in-person in San Francisco, and participants are expected to attend regular meetups on campus.
What kind of funding does Y Combinator provide?
YC invests $500,000: $125,000 on a post-money SAFE for a fixed 7%, and $375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE.
What is the application deadline for the Winter 2027 Batch?
The on-time deadline is November 2 at 8pm PT (9:30am IST on November 3). Apply by then and you'll hear back by December 11. Later applications are still considered, with no promised reply date.
What happens after the batch ends?
YC continues to support its alumni throughout the life of their company, providing ongoing access to the YC network, resources, and investor connections.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
