Y Combinator vs 500 Global Flagship Accelerator
- Overall score. 500 Global Flagship Accelerator scores higher on BatchUp: 40 (rank #6 of 12) vs 36 (#8) for YC. Most of the gap is terms (25 vs 21 points).
- Valuation. 500 Global Flagship Accelerator pays more for its stake: $150K for 6% is an implied $2.5M post-money, vs $125K for 7% ($1.79M) at YC. That's 1.4x the valuation, or $25K vs $18K per 1% of your company.
- Headline check. YC advertises $500K, but only $125K buys the fixed 7%; the rest is $375K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later). 500 Global Flagship Accelerator advertises $150K.
- Fixed equity. 500 Global Flagship Accelerator takes the smaller fixed stake (6% vs 7% at YC). Any uncapped MFN SAFE or follow-on money comes on top of the fixed stake and adds dilution in your next round.
- Deadlines. YC closes Nov 2, 2026 (16 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check); 500 Global Flagship Accelerator is closed right now and hasn't published its next date.
- Format and length. YC is in-person in San Francisco, CA; 500 Global Flagship Accelerator is in San Francisco, CA, format not confirmed. 500 Global Flagship Accelerator runs 16 weeks; YC doesn't publish a fixed length.
Every number comes from each program's official page, checked Oct 17, 2026. Scores follow our methodology: terms points use only the cash that buys the fixed stake. Run the numbers for YC · Run the numbers for 500 Global Flagship Accelerator
Side by side
| Y Combinator | 500 Global Flagship Accelerator | |
|---|---|---|
| Headline investment | $500,000 | $150,000 |
| Upfront cash for fixed equity | $125,000 | $150,000 |
| Fixed equity | 7% | 6% |
| Implied post-money (scored) | $1,785,714 | $2,500,000 |
| Converting / follow-on (not scored) | $375K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later) | — |
| Length | — | 16 wks |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Cash type | equity | equity |
| Next deadline | Closes Nov 2, 2026 | Closed – next TBA |
| BatchUp score | 36 | 40 |
| Score breakdown | terms 21 · transparency 15 · outcomes 0 | terms 25 · transparency 15 · outcomes 0 |
| Terms detail | $125K post-money SAFE for fixed 7% + $375K uncapped MFN SAFE; no fees; pro-rata right. | $150K for 6%, subject to terms and diligence; four-month in-person program; Batch 37 applications open, no dated cutoff shown. Program fee not confirmed on official page. |
| Profile | YC profile | 500 Global Flagship Accelerator profile |
YC vs 500 Global Flagship Accelerator: questions founders ask
Is YC or 500 Global Flagship Accelerator better?
500 Global Flagship Accelerator scores higher on BatchUp: 40 (rank #6 of 12) vs 36 (#8) for YC. Most of the gap is terms (25 vs 21 points). 500 Global Flagship Accelerator pays more for its stake: $150K for 6% is an implied $2.5M post-money, vs $125K for 7% ($1.79M) at YC. That's 1.4x the valuation, or $25K vs $18K per 1% of your company.
Which gives founders more money, YC or 500 Global Flagship Accelerator?
YC advertises $500K, but only $125K buys the fixed 7%; the rest is $375K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later). 500 Global Flagship Accelerator advertises $150K.
Which takes less equity, YC or 500 Global Flagship Accelerator?
500 Global Flagship Accelerator takes the smaller fixed stake (6% vs 7% at YC). Any uncapped MFN SAFE or follow-on money comes on top of the fixed stake and adds dilution in your next round.
When are the YC and 500 Global Flagship Accelerator deadlines?
YC closes Nov 2, 2026 (16 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check); 500 Global Flagship Accelerator is closed right now and hasn't published its next date.
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