Y Combinator is taking applications for its Winter 2027 batch until 2 November 2026 at 8 pm PT. The batch runs from January to March 2027 in San Francisco, and founders who apply before the deadline get a decision by 11 December 2026. YC says its application process is open to any startup anywhere in the world, so a founder building in MENA can apply without moving first. What you do need is a plan for three months in San Francisco.
At a glance
| Deadline | 2 November 2026, 8 pm PT |
| Decision | By 11 December 2026 for applications submitted before the deadline |
| Interviews | Mostly by video conference in November and December 2026 |
| Batch | January to March 2027 in San Francisco, with a 3-day in-person kick-off |
| Who can apply | Any startup, anywhere in the world; solo founders are accepted |
| Cost to apply | No application fee mentioned on the official pages |
| Official page | Y Combinator: apply |
Who can apply
YC’s FAQ says the process is open to any startup anywhere in the world, while the program itself takes place in person in San Francisco. It reports that on average 40% of the companies it funds in each batch are just an idea, and that most have no revenue. It also says it regularly accepts solo founders, though it notes that one-person startups are tough and that founding teams should have the skills to build their product themselves.
The apply page does not list eligibility rules for the Winter 2027 batch beyond this. Check the FAQ for anything specific to your situation.
What you get
YC states that it invests in companies as soon as they are accepted and does not wait for the batch to start. Each company gets access to $12M+ in free credits and deals from partners, plus weekly dinners, office hours with partners, the alumni network and a Demo Day.
YC’s standard deal page lists $500,000: $125,000 for a fixed 7%, and $375,000 on an uncapped MFN SAFE. That page does not tie these terms to the Winter 2027 batch specifically, so confirm them on YC’s site before you plan around them.
How to apply
- Read the Y Combinator apply page and the FAQ.
- Submit your application online through the portal the page names, before 2 November 2026 at 8 pm PT.
- Be ready for a video interview. Most interviews take place in November and December 2026.
- Expect a decision by 11 December 2026 if you applied before the deadline. Late applications are considered, but the page gives no timeline for them.
Advice from the Atlaspreneur team
- Convert the 8 pm PT deadline into your local time now, and plan to submit well before it.
- Decide in advance whether your team can be in San Francisco from January to March 2027. The batch is in person, and the kick-off is three days.
- Write down in plain language who builds the product and who handles everything else. YC’s FAQ says the founding team should be able to build the product itself.
- If you are a solo founder, say how you will cover the technical work, since YC’s FAQ flags the risk of going alone.
- Keep your November and December free for video interviews.
FAQ
Do I need to be based in the US to apply?
No. YC says its application process is open to any startup anywhere in the world. The batch itself takes place in person in San Francisco.
Do I need revenue?
No. YC says that on average 40% of the companies it funds in each batch are just an idea and most have no revenue.
Is there an application fee?
The official pages mention none.
What if I miss the deadline?
YC says late applications will be considered, with no guaranteed timeline.
