Write your complete YC application
AI writes your full Y Combinator application including RFS response and all main questions from your idea and traction.
Write your complete YC application
River's YC Application Writer creates your complete Y Combinator application from your startup details. You describe your idea, progress, team, and traction, and the AI writes responses to all YC questions including Request for Startups (RFS) match if applicable, one-line description, problem statement, solution, traction details, and founder backgrounds. Whether you're applying to YC for the first time or refining your application, this tool helps you articulate your startup compellingly in YC's style.
Unlike generic application writers, we understand YC's specific preferences and evaluation criteria. The AI writes concisely (YC hates fluff), focuses on traction and momentum over ideas, emphasizes founder-market fit and unique insights, uses concrete numbers and specific examples, and maintains the direct, no-BS tone YC partners prefer. You get application responses that sound like successful YC companies, not corporate press releases.
This tool is perfect for YC hopefuls applying for the first time, founders refining weak application drafts, international founders navigating American startup language, or anyone who knows their startup but struggles to articulate it clearly. If you have a real company with traction but your application doesn't reflect your strength, this tool helps. Use it when you have the facts but need help structuring them into responses that actually impress YC partners.
What Makes YC Applications Get Interviews
Winning YC applications are concise, specific, and traction-focused. YC partners read thousands of applications. The best ones get to the point immediately, show real traction with specific metrics, demonstrate founder-market fit clearly, explain the insight that led to the idea, and prove the team can execute. Weak applications bury the lead with backstory, describe ideas without traction, use vague language and buzzwords, or fail to show why this team can win. YC invests in momentum and founders, not just ideas. Show both clearly.
Successful applications follow proven patterns. Lead with your strongest signal (usually traction). Use specific numbers everywhere (500 users is better than 'growing'). Show week-over-week or month-over-month growth rates. Explain your unique insight (what do you know that others don't?). Demonstrate founder-market fit (why are you uniquely qualified?). Be honest about challenges. YC values clarity, momentum, and founder quality above perfect polish. A founder with 50% MoM growth and rough writing beats a polished writer with no traction every time.
What You Get
Complete YC application with all main questions answered
RFS response if your startup matches a Request for Startups
Concise, traction-focused writing YC partners prefer
Specific metrics and examples throughout
Founder-market fit and unique insights clearly stated
How It Works
- 1Describe your startupExplain your idea, traction, team background, and progress (100-500 words)
- 2AI writes full applicationOur AI creates complete YC application with all questions answered in 5-8 minutes
- 3Review and refineAdd specific numbers, verify accuracy, adjust for your voice
- 4Submit to YCCopy responses into YC application portal, proofread, submit before deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this write a winning YC application or just a starting point?
It provides a strong foundation that you must refine. The AI creates responses following YC's preferred style (concise, traction-focused, specific) based on your input. However, you need to verify all numbers are accurate, add specific details only you know, ensure founder stories are authentic, and adjust for anything AI misunderstood. Think of it as a first draft from someone who understands YC's preferences. Your job is making it perfectly accurate and authentic. No tool can guarantee acceptance, but this dramatically improves your starting point.
What if I don't have much traction yet?
Focus on what you do have. Early users, beta signups, letters of intent, customer conversations, technical progress, or unique insights. YC has accepted pre-launch companies with compelling founder-market fit and clear vision. Be honest about your stage. Don't inflate numbers. If you have 20 users who love your product, say that and explain why they're excited. Show momentum (even if small) and demonstrate you understand the problem deeply. Founder quality and market insight matter when traction is limited. But be realistic: YC heavily favors traction. If you have none, consider building for a few months before applying.
Should I apply if I don't match any RFS?
Absolutely. Most accepted companies don't match RFS (Request for Startups). RFS are themes YC is particularly excited about, but they accept great companies in any space. If you do match an RFS, definitely mention it because it shows you're working on something YC explicitly wants. If you don't match, no problem. Focus on making your core application strong. Don't force an RFS connection that isn't natural. False fits are obvious and hurt credibility. YC cares more about traction, team, and market than perfect RFS alignment.
How important is the one-line description?
Very important. It's often the first thing partners see and determines if they read carefully. Make it crystal clear what you do and who it's for. Format: 'We're [clear description] for [specific audience].' Example: 'Stripe for embedded insurance' or 'Figma for game developers.' Avoid: vague descriptions ('Next-gen platform'), buzzwords ('AI-powered revolutionary'), or confusing analogies. If your grandmother couldn't understand what you do from the one-liner, rewrite it. Clarity beats cleverness. Partners read hundreds of applications. Make yours immediately understandable.
Can I use this for other accelerator applications?
Yes, but adjust the style. YC prefers very concise, traction-focused writing. Other accelerators might want more narrative or different emphasis. The core content (problem, solution, traction, team) applies universally, but adjust tone and length for each program. Some accelerators want passion and vision. YC wants metrics and momentum. Use this application as your base, then adapt for each program's specific questions and culture. The research and structure work translates, but customize the final copy for each accelerator's preferences.
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