YC-Ready Premium Domains
Domains built for accelerator-stage startups
or $45 down, $17/mo/mo
or $45 down, $17/mo/mo
or $80 down, $30/mo/mo
or $85 down, $32/mo/mo
or $90 down, $34/mo/mo
or $90 down, $34/mo/mo
or $98 down, $37/mo/mo
or $115 down, $43/mo/mo
or $180 down, $68/mo/mo
or $180 down, $68/mo/mo
or $180 down, $68/mo/mo
or $180 down, $68/mo/mo
Why Domain Names Matter for YC Startups
Y Combinator partners have noted that a startup's domain choice reflects their attention to detail and long-term thinking. When you're competing with thousands of applications, every signal matters.
What Top YC Companies Have in Common
- Short, memorable domain names (Stripe, Airbnb, Dropbox)
- Names that work for word-of-mouth growth
- Clean domains without prefixes or hyphens
- Extensions that signal tech credibility (.AI, .IO, .COM)
- Names that scale beyond their initial product
The Post-Demo Day Reality
After Demo Day, your valuation increases and domain sellers know it. The premium domain you could have bought for $5,000 pre-YC might cost $50,000 post-funding. Secure your name early.
YC Naming Checklist
One or two syllables maximum
Easy to spell after hearing once
No hyphens, numbers, or prefixes
Modern extension (.AI, .IO, .COM)
Trademarkable and unique
Room to grow beyond MVP
How to Choose Your YC Startup Name
Lessons from successful Y Combinator companies
Think Global From Day One
Your name should work internationally. Avoid words that are hard for non-native speakers or have awkward meanings in other languages.
Prioritize Word-of-Mouth
YC companies grow through referrals. If users can't remember or spell your name, they can't recommend you.
Match Your Extension to Your Market
.AI for AI companies, .IO for dev tools, .COM for B2C. Your extension signals your market.
Avoid Descriptive Names
"AIEmailWriter" describes what you do today but limits tomorrow. Abstract names like Notion or Figma can grow with you.
Check Trademark Availability
Before you fall in love with a name, verify it's trademarkable. YC lawyers will flag naming conflicts during due diligence.
Secure Before Announcing
Domain squatters monitor YC announcements. Lock down your domain before your batch is public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What domains do Y Combinator startups use?
YC startups commonly use .AI, .IO, and .COM domains. In recent batches, .AI has become increasingly popular, with 28% of YC W25 startups choosing this extension for their AI-focused companies.
How important is a domain name for YC application?
While YC evaluates founders and ideas over domain names, a premium domain signals commitment and professionalism. Many successful YC companies secure their ideal domain early, before valuations make premium names more expensive.
What makes a domain YC-ready?
YC-ready domains are short (ideally 1-2 syllables), memorable, easy to spell, and work for word-of-mouth growth. They typically use modern extensions like .AI, .IO, or classic .COM and avoid hyphens or numbers.
Should I buy a premium domain before or after YC?
Buying before is often smarter. Post-funding, domain owners know you have money and prices increase. Pre-YC, you can negotiate better terms and demonstrate commitment to your vision through your brandable name choice.
Ready to Launch Your YC Startup?
Get your premium domain before Demo Day. Every name here is investor-ready and built for scale.