YC S26 at a glance
- Program dates: ~June – September 2026
- Application deadline: spring 2026 (confirmed on ycombinator.com)
- Demo Day: early autumn 2026
- Expected size: ~150–250 companies
- Deal: $125K for 7% + $375K MFN SAFE
- Location: San Francisco, in person
Your S26 application timeline
- Now: ship something. YC funds velocity, not decks.
- 3 months out: lock your co-founder and equity split.
- 6 weeks out: draft answers to every YC application question.
- 2 weeks out: record the one-minute founder video, submit early.
- Post-submit: keep shipping. Traction between submission and interview moves decisions.
What YC wants funded in S26
The Request for Startups is the closest thing to a public brief. It is not a checklist — partners fund founders, not categories — but building inside an RFS area means you start the conversation with the market thesis already agreed.
FAQ
When is the YC S26 batch?
Y Combinator's Summer 2026 batch runs roughly June through September 2026, ending with Demo Day in early autumn. Applications typically close in the spring, with interviews in the weeks that follow.
What is the YC S26 application deadline?
YC publishes the exact S26 deadline on ycombinator.com a few months ahead, usually landing in spring 2026. Applications submitted well before the deadline get more partner reading time, which matters more than most founders assume.
How big is the S26 batch?
Expect a range of roughly 150–250 companies, in line with recent batches. YC confirms the number after decisions are sent.
What is the S26 deal?
Unchanged: $125,000 for 7% on a post-money SAFE plus $375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE, for $500,000 total.
Do I need a co-founder to apply to S26?
No, solo founders get in every batch. But YC historically favours 2–3 person teams, and solo applicants face more questions about capacity and traction. YC's own co-founder matching platform is the standard route to fix that before applying.
Is S26 remote or in person?
In person in San Francisco. Founders must relocate for the full length of the batch.