Top 5 Y Combinator Application Examples

Learn from real YC applications that got accepted. Step-by-step analysis of successful applications from companies like Dropbox, GitLab, and Paystack.

Last updated: January 2024 • 5 Applications Analyzed
$15B+
Combined Valuation
8.2%
YC Acceptance Rate
$500K+
Average Seed Funding
Dropbox Logo
#1
DropboxYC S2007
Current StatusIPO
Valuation$13B (IPO)
Stage at Application

An in-depth analysis of Dropboxs successful Y Combinator application from Summer 2007, breaking down why it worked and key lessons for founders.

Clear problem-solution fitStrong technical founderWorking prototypeHuge market potential
GitLab Logo
#2
GitLabYC W2015
Current StatusPublic Company (NASDAQ: GTLB)
Valuation$13B+ (IPO)
Stage at ApplicationLaunched with 100k+ organizations

Deep dive into GitLabs successful Y Combinator application that transformed an open-source project into a multi-billion dollar company.

Strong existing traction (100k+ organizations)Clear monetization strategyOpen source advantageDeep domain expertiseProduct-led growth
Paystack Logo
#3
PaystackYC W2016
Current StatusAcquired by Stripe
Valuation$200M+ (Acquisition)
Stage at ApplicationPrivate Beta with 12 pilot merchants

An in-depth analysis of Paystack's successful Y Combinator application from Winter 2016, revealing how they built the payment infrastructure for Africa's internet economy.

Deep domain expertise in paymentsStrong existing traction with waitlistClear market need and positioningStrategic banking partnershipsDeveloper-first approach
Mixpanel Logo
#4
MixpanelYC S2009
Current StatusActive, $1B+ Valuation
Valuation$1B+
Stage at ApplicationRevenue generating with YC company clients

Deep dive into Mixpanel's successful Y Combinator application that transformed into a leading business analytics platform.

Strong technical founders with proven track recordEarly revenue and YC company adoptionClear product differentiation from Google AnalyticsExperience from leading companies (Slide, Max Levchin)Already profitable in alpha stageClear understanding of data-driven product development
Seeing Interactive Logo
#5
Seeing Interactive (Own Local)YC W2010
Current StatusSuccessful
ValuationNot disclosed
Stage at Application

An in-depth analysis of Seeing Interactive's successful Y Combinator application from Winter 2010, showing how they transformed small-town newspapers.

Already revenue generatingDeep industry expertiseClear monetization strategyStrong founder relationshipPre-sold customers