Y Combinator vs Entrepreneur First
- Overall score. Entrepreneur First scores higher on BatchUp: 49 (rank #3 of 12) vs 36 (#8) for YC. Most of the gap is outcomes (15 vs 0 points).
- Valuation. YC pays more for its stake: $125K for 7% is an implied $1.79M post-money, vs $125K for 8% ($1.56M) at Entrepreneur First. That's 1.1x the valuation, or $18K vs $16K 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). Entrepreneur First advertises $125K upfront, plus optional $125K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later).
- Fixed equity. YC takes the smaller fixed stake (7% vs 8% at Entrepreneur First). 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); Entrepreneur First closes Nov 2, 2026 (16 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check). Both close the same day.
- Format and length. YC is in-person in San Francisco, CA; Entrepreneur First is in-person in London / San Francisco / Bangalore.
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 Entrepreneur First
Side by side
| Y Combinator | Entrepreneur First | |
|---|---|---|
| Headline investment | $500,000 | $125,000 |
| Upfront cash for fixed equity | $125,000 | $125,000 |
| Fixed equity | 7% | 8% |
| Implied post-money (scored) | $1,785,714 | $1,562,500 |
| Converting / follow-on (not scored) | $375K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later) | optional $125K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later) |
| Length | — | — |
| Location | San Francisco, CA | London / San Francisco / Bangalore |
| Cash type | equity | equity |
| Next deadline | Closes Nov 2, 2026 | Closes Nov 2, 2026 |
| BatchUp score | 36 | 49 |
| Score breakdown | terms 21 · transparency 15 · outcomes 0 | terms 19 · transparency 15 · outcomes 15 |
| Terms detail | $125K post-money SAFE for fixed 7% + $375K uncapped MFN SAFE; no fees; pro-rata right. | $125K post-money SAFE for 8% + optional $125K uncapped MFN SAFE (requires SF relocation, Delaware C-corp). |
| Profile | YC profile | Entrepreneur First profile |
YC vs Entrepreneur First: questions founders ask
Is YC or Entrepreneur First better?
Entrepreneur First scores higher on BatchUp: 49 (rank #3 of 12) vs 36 (#8) for YC. Most of the gap is outcomes (15 vs 0 points). YC pays more for its stake: $125K for 7% is an implied $1.79M post-money, vs $125K for 8% ($1.56M) at Entrepreneur First. That's 1.1x the valuation, or $18K vs $16K per 1% of your company.
Which gives founders more money, YC or Entrepreneur First?
YC advertises $500K, but only $125K buys the fixed 7%; the rest is $375K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later). Entrepreneur First advertises $125K upfront, plus optional $125K uncapped MFN SAFE (converts later).
Which takes less equity, YC or Entrepreneur First?
YC takes the smaller fixed stake (7% vs 8% at Entrepreneur First). 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 Entrepreneur First deadlines?
YC closes Nov 2, 2026 (16 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check); Entrepreneur First closes Nov 2, 2026 (16 days from our Oct 17, 2026 check). Both close the same day.
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