Below is an overview of essential tips and resources to help you focus your application, align with YC’s criteria, and understand how other African founders have successfully applied.
Application Priorities:
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Describe your company in 1 sentence without jargon.
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Demonstrate your traction (i.e. what have you done and in how much time?)
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Show why you are the right people to build this.
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Show who is on your team and that you can build technology.
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Explain how you believe you can become a billion dollar business or reach $100m in annual recurring revenue.
Key Considerations:
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A MUST: Have a technical cofounder
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A MUST: All founders must have at least 10% equity
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The application has 2 parts: written application + in person interview. A video interview could happen after the written if YC needs more info.
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The in person is not guaranteed. If you do, let us know. We and YC Alum are happy to help you prepare. Email us at: community@future.africa
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All cofounders must submit an application. One cofounder will submit the main application and the other cofounders will submit a follow on portion.
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Deadline: Applying before the deadline ensures your application is reviewed earlier than others. However, you can still submit past the deadline.
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Applying multiple times is common. If you don’t get accepted for this batch, try again and show your progress. If you’ve applied before, apply again this time and show progress.
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Regardless of what stage you’re at, still apply for YC. The exercise of sharing a clear value proposition, getting feedback from alums/other founders, and seeing opportunities and gaps with your product are invaluable for your team’s growth.
Other Resources:
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Advice from Head of Admissions, Partner – Dalton Caldwell here,
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Thoughts from Paul Graham here and other YC Team members here
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Paystack’s resource guide with additional links, advice, and videos from African YC Alum here
Applications of African YC Alum:
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