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Y Combinator: 40 Questions and 40 Answers

Dreaming of launching your startup into the stratosphere? Find out why securing a spot in Y Combinator could be your golden ticket! 🌟 Dive into our guide on how YC works, why it's a game-changer, and master the 40 key questions to ace your application.
Frederik van Lierde - May 03, 2024
Y Combinator: 40 Questions and 40 Answers
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Y Combinator
Y Combinator (YC), known for its highly selective funding process, isn't just an incubator; it's a launchpad that has propelled companies like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Stripe into the stratosphere of the tech industry.

For any fledgling startup, gaining a spot in Y Combinator’s cohort can be transformative, providing not only capital but also crucial mentorship and access to a vast network of investors and alumni.

Table of Contents

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What is Y Combinator?

Founded in 2005 by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Trevor Blackwell, and Robert Morris, Y Combinator is a startup accelerator that has redefined the modern incubation model.

Twice a year, YC selects a group of promising startups and takes them through an intensive 3-month program aimed at refining their business models, products, and pitch skills.

The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their refined business plans to a select audience of investors.

How Y Combinator Works

The magic of Y Combinator lies in its structured yet flexible approach. Startups admitted into the program receive seed funding, usually in exchange for a small equity stake.

Throughout the program, founders participate in weekly dinners, workshops, and one-on-one sessions with YC partners and guest speakers, who are often leading figures in the tech industry.

These sessions are invaluable for gaining insights and advice tailored to the unique challenges each startup faces.

Why Startups Aspire a Y Combinator Spot

The allure of Y Combinator goes beyond funding. Being a YC alumnus comes with prestige and a stamp of validation that opens doors across the globe.

The network effect cannot be overstated; access to a community of past participants who are often leaders in technology provides a support system that continues long after the program ends.

Additionally, the media exposure and investor attention during and after Demo Day can be game-changing for companies looking to make their mark.

The 40 Questions: Y Combinator's Thorough Examination

To rigorously assess and prepare startups for the challenges ahead, Y Combinator employs a series of probing questions that delve deep into the viability and scalability of a startup’s business model.

These 40 questions are helping for both YC’s evaluation process and for founders to refine their strategic vision.

Here, we will delve into the specifics of each question. Each section will cover:
  1. Why Y Combinator Asks This Question - Understanding the purpose behind each inquiry and what YC aims to discover about the startup.
  2. How to Answer the Question - Tips and strategies on how to craft responses that are honest, strategic, and reflective of your startup’s potential.
  3. How NOT to Answer the Question- Common pitfalls and errors to avoid when answering, ensuring your responses do not raise red flags.
  4. An Example Answer Based on a Tech Startup - A practical example that illustrates an effective response tailored to a hypothetical tech startup.


Y Combinator Question 1 + How To Answer: What Problem Do You Solve? What Problem Do You Solve? When it comes to pitching your startup, whether to potential investors, partners, or even your first hires, clarity is king. This question, often posed by Y Combinator during their rigorous selection process, cuts right to the core of what your startup is all about. Y Combinator Question 2 + How To Answer: What Problem Will Be Solved at the End of What You Are Doing? What Problem Will Be Solved at the End of What You Are Doing? This question assesses whether you have a clear, strategic vision for the future and how your current path will lead to a transformative change in the market or industry. Y Combinator Question 3 + How To Answer: What Do We Expect The Result To Be?
What Do We Expect The Result To Be? This question from Y Combinator gets to the heart of a startup's expectations and desired outcomes. It's about painting a picture of the tangible results that the startup aims to achieve through its efforts, focusing on measurable outcomes and clear goals.
Y Combinator Question 4 + How To Answer: Can You State The Problem Clearly In 2 Sentences?
Can You State The Problem Clearly In 2 Sentences? This question from Y Combinator is designed to test your ability to communicate efficiently and effectively. It's important for startups to be able to pitch their idea succinctly, especially in high-stakes environments where time is limited and clarity is paramount.
 Y Combinator Question 5 + How To Answer: Have You Experienced The Problem Yourself?
Have You Experienced The Problem Yourself? This question is a favorite among investors, including those at Y Combinator, because it taps into the authenticity and personal motivation behind a startup. Understanding whether founders have firsthand experience with the problem they’re solving can offer deep insights into their commitment and their unique perspective on the solution.
 Y Combinator Question 6 + How To Answer: Can You Define This Problem Narrowly?
Can You Define This Problem Narrowly? In startup pitches, especially within the rigorous screening process of Y Combinator, being able to narrow down a problem indicates a clear understanding and a strategic focus. This question seeks to explore whether the founder can isolate a specific segment of a larger issue, which often enables more effective and innovative solutions.
 Y Combinator Question 7 + How To Answer: Who Can You Help First?
Who Can You Help First? Who is your initial target audience is a question that Y Combinator often uses to understand a startup's market entry strategy. This question helps to clarify who will be the early adopters—the first group of users who are most likely to benefit from and advocate for the solution.
 Y Combinator Question 8 + How To Answer: What Can We Address Immediately?
What Can We Address Immediately? This question is designed to uncover what aspects of your solution or business can be implemented right away, reflecting your startup's preparedness and agility. Understanding and articulating what can be addressed immediately shows that you are proactive and have a practical approach to solving problems.
 Y Combinator Question 9 + How To Answer: How Do We Get the First Indication This Thing Is Working?
How Do We Get the First Indication This Thing Is Working? This question from Y Combinator assesses a startup's understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) and early success metrics. It explores how founders plan to measure initial effectiveness and validate their product or service in the market. Understanding and articulating these early indicators of success can demonstrate the startup's strategic insight and its readiness to adapt based on real-world data.
 Y Combinator Question 10 + How To Answer: Is The Problem Solvable?
Is The Problem Solvable? This straightforward yet profound question from Y Combinator tests the feasibility and realism of a startup's mission. It challenges founders to critically assess their solution and the problem they're addressing, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the challenges and potential roadblocks. A solid response can significantly boost investor confidence in the practicality and potential of the startup.


Y Combinator Question 11 + How To Answer: Who Is Your Customer? Who Is Your Customer? This question from Y Combinator probes into how well founders know their target market. Being able to precisely identify and describe your customer shows that you have a clear strategy for reaching and serving those who will benefit most from your solution. Y Combinator Question 12 + How To Answer: Who Is The Ideal First Customer? Who Is The Ideal First Customer? This question aims to uncover whether the founders have thought about who will be most receptive to and benefit immediately from their product or service. It’s about pinpointing a segment within the broader market that will not only need the solution but will also champion it, providing both revenue and valuable feedback. Y Combinator Question 13 + How To Answer: How Will The Customer Know If Your Product Has Solved The Problem? How Will The Customer Know If Your Product Has Solved The Problem? This question from Y Combinator digs into the effectiveness of your solution from the customer’s perspective. It’s important for start-ups to not only develop solutions but also ensure that these solutions are visibly and tangibly effective in the eyes of those using them. Y Combinator Question 14 + How To Answer: How Often Does Your User Have The Problem? How Often Does Your User Have The Problem? This question from Y Combinator is pivotal in assessing the frequency and intensity of the problem your start-up aims to solve. A solid understanding of how often users encounter the problem can help determine the product’s potential usage rate and urgency. Y Combinator Question 15 + How To Answer: Who Is Getting The Most Value Out Of Your Product? Who Is Getting The Most Value Out Of Your Product? This question from Y Combinator helps assess which segment of your customer base benefits the most from your solution. It focuses on identifying the primary beneficiaries of your product, which can provide a clear direction for marketing efforts and product development. Y Combinator Question 16 + How To Answer: How Intense Is The Problem? How Intense Is The Problem? Y Combinator assesses the severity and urgency of the problem a start-up is addressing to assess the potential demand and impact of the solution. Understanding and conveying the intensity of the problem can help illustrate the necessity of your product and its potential to attract serious interest from users and investors. Y Combinator Question 17 + How To Answer: Are Customers Willing To Pay? Are Customers Willing To Pay? This question from Y Combinator addresses one of the most critical aspects of a start-up’s potential success: monetization. Understanding whether and why customers would pay for your solution is fundamental in evaluating the financial viability of your business. Y Combinator Question 18 + How To Answer: How To Answer: How Easy Is It For Your Customer To Find Your Product? How To Answer: How Easy Is It For Your Customer To Find Your Product? This Y Combinator question evaluates how well you’ve positioned your product in the market and the effectiveness of your distribution and marketing strategies. Ensuring that your product is easily accessible to potential customers is fundamental to driving sales and scaling your business. Y Combinator Question 19 + How To Answer: Which Customers Should You Run Away From? Which Customers Should You Run Away From? This provocative question from Y Combinator tests a start-up’s ability to discern which customer segments may not be beneficial or could even be detrimental to the growth and success of the business.


Y Combinator Question 20 + How To Answer: Does Your Product Actually Solve the Problem? Be Truthful. How and Why Not? Does Your Product Actually Solve the Problem? Be Truthful. How and Why Not? This question from Y Combinator demands honesty and critical self-assessment from founders about the effectiveness of their product. It’s essential for start-ups to be transparent about their solution’s capabilities and limitations, as this shows self-awareness and a commitment to continuous improvement. Y Combinator Question 21 + How To Answer: Which Customer Should You Go After First? Which Customer Should You Go After First? This question from Y Combinator explores your startup’s market entry strategy. A start-up needs to identify not just a general market but the specific customer segment that will most likely be the earliest adopters of the new technology or service. Y Combinator Question 22 + How To Answer: How Do You Find People Who Are Willing To Use Your [Bad] First Version? How Do You Find People Who Are Willing To Use Your “Bad” First Version? This question from Y Combinator revolves around identifying and engaging with early adopters who are willing to try out a less refined initial version of your product. Y Combinator Question 23 + How To Answer: Who Are The Most Desperate Customers And How Do You Talk To Them First? Who Are The Most Desperate Customers And How Do You Talk To Them First? This Y Combinator question is designed to identify the customers who need your solution the most urgently and to understand how you plan to reach and communicate with them effectively. Y Combinator Question 24 + How To Answer: Whose Business Is Going To Go Out Of Business Without Using You? Whose Business Is Going To Go Out Of Business Without Using You? This Y Combinator question challenges startups to think critically about the indispensable value of their product or service. It aims to uncover businesses or industries for whom the startup’s solution could be seen as not just beneficial, but vital for survival. Y Combinator Question 25 + How To Answer: Are You Discounting Or Starting With A Super Low Price? Are You Discounting Or Starting With A Super Low Price? This Y Combinator question explores pricing strategies, particularly focusing on whether the startup is considering launching with discounts or unusually low prices.


Y Combinator Question 26 + How To Answer: What Are You Using To Measure How Users Are Interacting With Your Product? What Are You Using To Measure How Users Are Interacting With Your Product? This Y Combinator question is key in understanding how startups understand user engagement and gather actionable insights to refine their products. Y Combinator Question 27 + How To Answer: What Metrics Are You Measuring To Understand How Your Product Function What Metrics Are You Measuring To Understand How Your Product Function? This Y Combinator question delves into the specific metrics a startup monitors to evaluate product performance and user engagement. Y Combinator Question 28 + How To Answer: When You Build A New Feature, What Is The Metric That Will Improve? When You Build A New Feature, What Is The Metric That Will Improve? This Y Combinator question delves into the specific metrics a startup monitors to evaluate product performance and user engagement. Y Combinator Question 29 + How To Answer: What Number Do You Track to Show How Well Your Company Is Doing? What Number Do You Track to Show How Well Your Company Is Doing? This Y Combinator question gets to the heart of your startup’s performance metrics. Startups must have a clear, primary metric that reflects the overall health and progress of the business. Y Combinator Question 30 + How To Answer: Y Combinator Question 30: What Is Your Top-Level KPI (Revenue, Usage)? What Is Your Top-Level KPI (Revenue, Usage)? This Y Combinator question asks for a clear definition of the key performance indicator (KPI) that you prioritize above all others to track the overall success and health of your startup. Y Combinator Question 31 + How To Answer: Y Combinator Question 30: What Are Underlying Metrics That Contribute To Achieving Your Top-Level What Are Underlying Metrics That Contribute To Achieving Your Top-Level This Y Combinator question dives deeper into your understanding of what drives your top-level KPI, examining the specific, actionable metrics that underpin your main measure of success. Y Combinator Question 32 + How To Answer: Which Of These Metrics Are You Trying To Move This Development Cycle? Which Of These Metrics Are You Trying To Move This Development Cycle? This Y Combinator question delves into the specific focus of your startup’s current development efforts by asking which metrics you aim to improve in the current cycle.


Y Combinator Question 33 + How To Answer: How Long Is Your Product Dev Cycle? What Is Causing It To Be That Long? How Long Is Your Product Dev Cycle? What Is Causing It To Be That Long? This Y Combinator question probes into the efficiency and effectiveness of your startup’s product development processes. Y Combinator Question 34 + How To Answer: Who Is Writing Down Notes At Your Product Development Meeting? Who Is Writing Down Notes At Your Product Development Meeting? This Y Combinator question delves into the operational practices regarding documentation and communication during product development meetings. Y Combinator Question 35 + How To Answer: Which Category Does Each Of Your Brainstormed Ideas Fit? Which Category Does Each Of Your Brainstormed Ideas Fit? This Y Combinator question assesses how a startup categorizes and prioritizes different types of product development tasks based on their brainstormed ideas. Y Combinator Question 36 + How To Answer: How Easy/Medium/Hard Are The Brainstormed Ideas To Do? How Easy/Medium/Hard Are The Brainstormed Ideas To Do? This Y Combinator question aims to assess how your startup evaluates the feasibility and complexity of new ideas generated during brainstorming sessions. Y Combinator Question 37 + How To Answer: How Can You Restate The Hard Ideas (Disaggregate Ideas Into Smaller Ideas) How Can You Restate The Hard Ideas (Disaggregate Ideas Into Smaller Ideas) This Y Combinator question is aimed at evaluating how your startup approaches complex projects by breaking them down into manageable components. Y Combinator Question 38 + How To Answer: What Parts Of Hard Ideas Are Useless Or Hard? Are There Other Options? What Parts Of Hard Ideas Are Useless Or Hard? Are There Other Options? This Y Combinator question is designed to evaluate your startup’s ability to critically assess and refine its ideas. Y Combinator Question 39 + How To Answer: Which Hard Idea Will Improve The KPIs The Most? Which Medium? Which Easy? Which Hard Idea Will Improve The KPIs The Most? Which Medium? Which Easy? This Y Combinator question explores how different levels of project difficulty — hard, medium, and easy — can each impact your key performance indicators (KPIs). Y Combinator Question 40 + What Is The Spec For The Product/Feature We Want To Build? What Is The Spec For The Product/Feature We Want To Build? This Y Combinator question focuses on understanding the specific details and requirements of a product or feature your startup plans to develop.
Enjoyed the read? Even though we’re offering the full book for free online, you can still support the project by getting a copy on Amazon or leaving a quick review. It helps more than you think.