Life & fun · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to Apply to YC (Y Combinator)

Curated collection of resources for founders applying to YC.

Apply to YC is a curated collection of resources designed to help founders prepare their Y Combinator applications. The product brings together guides, tips, and materials relevant to the YC application process in one… Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Apply to YC (Y Combinator) launched in 2017; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   YC Library▲810

   The new hub for YC's startup videos, essays, podcasts & more

   2023 · ycombinator.com · its alternatives →

2. 2
   The Y Combinator Database▲866

   The definitive database of YC companies with all the metrics

   2017 · ycdb.co · its alternatives →

3. 3IW
   I wrote a guidebook on everything I know about applying to Y Combinator▲177

   2012 · guidetoyc.com · its alternatives →

4. 4
   Y Combinator Co-founder Matching▲642

   YC’s free online platform to help you find your co-founder

   2021 · ycombinator.com · its alternatives →

5. 5
   YC Careers▲485

   Browse the career pages of Y Combinator companies

   2017 · jonathanzwhite.github.io · its alternatives →

6. 6YS
   YC's startup advice, organized and searchable▲161

   2020 · ycadvice.com · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Y Combinator Companies▲454

   Interactive list of all 1000+ YC companies

   2016 · ycombinator.com · its alternatives →

8. 8
   YC Rejects▲342

   A community of rejected YC companies

   2018 · seedproof.com · its alternatives →

9. 9
   The Y Combinator Database 2.0▲604

   Everything you ever wanted to know about YC companies

   2018 · ycdb.co · its alternatives →

10. 10
    YC Companies Map▲180

    A map of YC companies around the world. Discover YC startups by city, batch, and industry. Powered by FoundersAround.

    2025 · yc.foundersaround.com · its alternatives →

11. 11RC
    Rejection Conditioner for YC Applications▲177

    2017 · rejectionconditioner.com · its alternatives →

12. 12
    YC Interview Simulator 2.0▲457

    YC interview prep - pitch, reflect & improve

    2024 · mentara.io · its alternatives →

13. 13
    YC Students▲181

    Browse student jobs & internships at Y Combinator companies

    2019 · entryleveljobs.me · its alternatives →

14. 14
    Startup School for Future Founders▲510

    YC's free 6-week program for aspiring founders

    2020 · startupschool.org · its alternatives →

15. 15
    YC Directory▲397

    Discover YC companies

    2020 · ycombinator.com · its alternatives →

16. 16
    Work at a Startup – Find a Job at a YC Company▲210

    Find startup jobs at the best YC startups and connect with founders on Y Combinator's Work at a Startup.

    2017 · workatastartup.com · its alternatives →

17. 17
    YC Interview Practice App▲251

    Get asked YC questions by Sam Altman

    2016 · its alternatives →

18. 18YR
    YC Review – Get your YC application reviewed by an alum▲86

    2018 · ycreview.com · its alternatives →

19. 19
    YC Rejection▲392

    Share your YC application and get a YC rejection email

    2023 · its alternatives →

20. 20YN
    YC Next, exclusive community for Y Combinator interviewees and aspirants▲32

    2015 · ycnext.com · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Startup School Winter 2020▲496

    Learn how to start a startup with YC for free

    2019 · startupschool.org · its alternatives →

22. 22
    YC World▲396

    Explore Y Combinator companies by country

    2017 · world.ycombinator.com · its alternatives →

23. 23
    Startup School 2019▲448

    Learn how to start a startup with YC for free

    2019 · startupschool.org · its alternatives →

24. 24
    ExploreYC▲565

    Open-source API for Y Combinator & a16z company data

    Jul 2026 · exploreyc.com · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →