A recent article in the Wall Street Journal shows that the Y Combinator has grown tremendously in the 5 years since its launch. Y Combinator is a program for startup companies that provides them with resources, mentorship and connections for a small piece of equity. There are many similar programs that have popped up over the years but the Y Combinator is one of the most established and respected of them all.
The program only launched 5 years ago and on its first pitch day in Boston it “consisted of eight companies and an audience of about 12 investors. Even Paul Graham, the founder of the tech incubator, admits the investors were mostly just his friends.” The article states that “Now, the twice-yearly pitch session of start-ups that have gone through the incubator program consists of 36 companies, and it’s considered a must-see event for hundreds of angel and venture investors.”
The program has also shifted from pitches from all college students or recent grads to more experienced entrepreneurs. The founder Paul Graham stated “This happens as we get better known,” Graham said. “The founders are older and more formidable. But the founders who just graduated from Stanford – we still have that.”.
This type of opportunity is a must see for early stage entrepreneurs trying to find their way to success. While many companies don’t get funded or even into the program it can still be a great experience for all involved.
