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Y Combinator 101

We provide the hints and tips from experienced founders, former YC Partners, and 886 Partners to allow founders to submit their best possible application.

Overview

If you have your application ready, send it to us and schedule for a mock interview.

YC Mock InterviewApplication Template

Partner Notes

Kevin Lin

Twitch Co-founder · YC Visiting Partner

Dig deep. Research. Know the landscape. Understand the problem deeply.

Lyle Fong

Lithium, now Khoros, Co-founder · YC Visiting Partner

Helping founders figure out what actually matters at their stage of company, then focusing all their efforts on that is usually the first step in building a great business.

Holly Liu

Kabam Co-founder, PKO Investments Co-founder · YC Visiting Partner

It’s better to know more about the problem and your customers than your product.

Tips

  • We are not asking for the execution or 5 or 10 year plan. We want your vision: how you want your company to be.
  • Use comparisons to existing products or companies to help your explanations.
  • Be concise when answering questions. Less is more.
  • Do not go into too many features.
  • Use simple words and an easy-going tone.

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