Is YC still the best accelerator for your startup in 2026?

The answer to this question is yes it most likely is. YC consistency beats on almost every level. Most of the partners are billion dollar exited founders with a consistent track record of not only making the right investments but most of them have already exited and build billion-dollar companies themselves.

It has previously backed companies like Dropbox, Airbnb and Coinbase.

I have interviewed at YC, been backed by Techstars and exited an online business and prior to that, I have worked in investment banking and so i have a little bit of experience with VCs and accelerators.

I know people who have been rejected and unhappy with accelerators that are close and similar to YC (wont name exactly which one) and then got into YC and were so happy with it. The guidance, the partners, the access to investors all made this possible.

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Here is another article on the topic.

Why YC is still the best accelerator around for your business in 2025

With its focus now on AI companies - are you looking to push your business further and fast. YC still ranks number one. I have been through techstars and realise the benefits a top tier accelerator can bring you. There are pros and cons to each of them. Giving up equity is never easy but to supercharge your startup you may need to do it. We have put a list together below.

FounderBountyVlad Kozul

Here is some advice on how to interview at YC

My interview with YC and how you can do better in 2026

I’m sharing my experience from interviewing with Y Combinator accelerator, one of the world’s best Venture capital companies. The YC interview is short quick, to the point, and also a great learning experience. Just getting an interview you are in the top 1% of founders so count yourself lucky. We tried with Chefr and had a few learnings.

FounderBountyVlad Kozul