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Y Combinator
Top startup accelerator actively backing defense technology companies.
Y Combinator is the world's most renowned startup accelerator, founded in 2005. Since 2024, YC has actively encouraged defense tech startups, with partner Jared Friedman publishing a 'New Defense Technology' RFS. YC has backed over 18 defense startups with a focus on low-cost missiles, counter-drone systems, and defense AI.
Overview
- Firm
- Y Combinator Management LLC
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA
- Founded
- 2005
- AUM
- Not publicly disclosed
- Avg. check
- $500K
- Stages
- Seed
- Thesis
- New defense technology including low-cost missiles, counter-drone systems, defense AI, and modern defense contracting.
- X / Twitter
- x.com/ycombinator
- Website
- www.ycombinator.com/
Portfolio companies5
- CompanyCosineBritish sovereign-AI company building air-gapped, on-premise foundation models for defense and critical infrastructure.
- CompanyPerseus DefenseBuilds mass-manufacturable, low-cost guided micro-missile interceptors to counter small/low-cost drone threats for DoD and DHS.
- CompanyStoke SpaceFully reusable two-stage orbital rocket company.
- CompanyFlock SafetyLicense-plate-reading camera and law-enforcement surveillance technology company.
- CompanyGecko RoboticsRobotic infrastructure inspection company (Cantilever AI platform), expanding into defense.
Partners0
No linked records yet.
Frequently asked
- What is Y Combinator?
- New defense technology including low-cost missiles, counter-drone systems, defense AI, and modern defense contracting.
- What stages does Y Combinator invest at?
- Y Combinator invests at Seed, with typical checks of $500K.
Sources & citations1
1 source behind every claim
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