Spring 2026 BatchSpring 2026 Batch
Sector AgnosticPre-seedSeed

Y Combinator — Spring 2026 Batch

Seed funding + mentorship in SF, April–June 2026.

Organizer: Y Combinator
Deadline: February 10, 2026 (in 2 months)
Categories: Accelerator, Funding
Regions: Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Tanzania, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Sudan, Central African Republic, Djibouti, South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Gambia, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Botswana, Mozambique, Comoros, Mauritius, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria, Chad, Cabo Verde, Namibia, Somalia, Niger, Seychelles, Congo, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali, Eritrea, South Sudan, Egypt, Gabon, Malawi, Angola, Eswatini, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Sao Tome & Principe, Libya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, DR Congo
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Y Combinator has opened applications for its Spring 2026 batch, one of the most well-known global accelerator programs for early-stage startups. The program combines seed funding, structured mentorship, and access to an extensive founder and investor network. Below is a structured overview of the program, its format, and key application details, presented as a neutral listing for founders exploring accelerator opportunities.

Program Overview

  • Y Combinator is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Batch.
  • The batch is scheduled to run from April to June 2026.
  • The program takes place in person at Y Combinator’s campus in San Francisco.
  • Companies are funded as soon as they are accepted, rather than waiting for the batch to begin.
  • Founders can also apply ahead of time through Early Decision for future batches.

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted online through Y Combinator’s application portal.
  • Startups that apply before the regular deadline are guaranteed a decision by 13 March 2026.
  • Applications submitted after the deadline may still be reviewed, but response timelines are not guaranteed.
  • Promising applicants are invited to interview with Y Combinator partners, typically via video conference.
  • Interviews are usually conducted in February and March, with decisions often made the same day.
  • All interviewed teams receive detailed feedback, regardless of the final decision.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • On-time application deadline:
    • 9 February 2026 at 8:00 PM PT
    • Converted deadline: 10 February 2026, 05:00 GMT+1
  • Decision notifications for on-time applicants: By 13 March 2026
  • Batch duration: April–June 2026

Program Structure and Experience

  • The batch begins with a three-day, in-person kickoff in San Francisco.
  • Founders participate in regular meetups and group sessions throughout the program.
  • Each company is assigned a dedicated YC General Partner:
    • General Partners are experienced founders themselves.
    • They work closely with a small, hand-selected group of startups.
    • Weekly meetings and direct communication channels are provided.
  • Companies are organized into small peer groups, similar to a house model:
    • Groups meet weekly, including shared dinners.
    • The structure encourages both professional collaboration and personal connections.

Mentorship and Community

  • During the batch, founders hear from experienced startup leaders and alumni.
  • Past speakers and returning founders include teams behind companies such as OpenAI, Airbnb, Stripe, and DoorDash.
  • Startups gain access to the global YC alumni community, known for ongoing peer support.
  • Introductions are facilitated to founders and experts who can help address specific challenges.

Fundraising and Post-Program Support

  • Toward the end of the batch, YC helps startups connect with its investor network to raise additional funding.
  • Support does not end after the three-month program:
    • Y Combinator continues to assist founders over the lifetime of their companies.
    • Alumni remain connected through an active, long-term community.

The Y Combinator Spring 2026 batch represents a structured accelerator opportunity for early-stage startups seeking funding, mentorship, and global exposure. With a defined application timeline, in-person programming in San Francisco, and long-term alumni support, it remains a notable option for founders evaluating accelerator programs for the upcoming year.