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Y Combinator (YC) vs PearX (Pear VC)
Founders often weigh Y Combinator (YC) against PearX (Pear VC). Here's how the two compare on money, terms, format and selectivity — and how to decide.
Side by side
| Y Combinator (YC) | PearX (Pear VC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | $500K | $2M |
| Equity | 7% | — |
| Instrument | SAFE | Equity |
| Program length | 3 months | 3 months |
| Location | San Francisco | Palo Alto |
| Remote | No | No |
| International founders | Accepted | Accepted |
| Stages | Pre-seed, Seed | Pre-seed, Seed |
| Applications | Multiple per year | Multiple per year |
| Cohort size | ~200 | ~20 |
| Acceptance rate | ~2% | ~3% |
| Questions on the form | 29 | 34 |
Terms change between batches — confirm on each program's official site before applying.
Key differences
- PearX (Pear VC) writes the bigger cheque: up to $2M, against $500K from Y Combinator (YC).
- Y Combinator (YC) is based in San Francisco; PearX (Pear VC) in Palo Alto.
- Y Combinator (YC) is more selective (about 2% accepted vs 3%).
Choose Y Combinator (YC) if…
The gold standard. $500K for 7%. Changes everything.
The most influential startup accelerator in the world. 3-month batch program culminating in Demo Day. YC alumni network is unmatched — investors take your call just because you got in.
How to apply to Y Combinator (YC) →Choose PearX (Pear VC) if…
$250K-$2M. Small cohorts, 1:1 partner support.
Pear VC's flagship accelerator. Highly personalized — small cohorts with dedicated partner support. 90% of graduates raise a seed round. Free office space for 6 months.
How to apply to PearX (Pear VC) →FAQ
Is Y Combinator (YC) better than PearX (Pear VC)?
Neither is better for everyone. PearX (Pear VC) writes the bigger cheque: up to $2M, against $500K from Y Combinator (YC). Y Combinator (YC) is based in San Francisco; PearX (Pear VC) in Palo Alto. Choose by stage, sector, location and the terms you can accept — or apply to both.
Can I apply to both Y Combinator (YC) and PearX (Pear VC)?
Yes. Applying to several programs is normal, and many founders run applications in parallel. Most of the material — one-liner, traction, team, market — carries over between forms.
Which is harder to get into, Y Combinator (YC) or PearX (Pear VC)?
Both are selective. Estimates put Y Combinator (YC) at about 2% and PearX (Pear VC) at about 3% of applicants accepted. Neither publishes exact figures.
Why choose? Draft both applications from one profile.
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