Transactional businesses account for 22% of the top 100 YC companies and create 29% of the overall value due to their direct involvement in the flow of funds.

SaaS businesses make up 31% of the top 100 YC companies, highlighting their prevalence and success in generating consistent revenue.

Great consumer companies that achieve significant scale typically optimize their viral loops and network effects to ensure the majority of their growth comes from organic channels.

The best consumer companies often have a growth split of over 80% organic to 20% paid. Relying too heavily on paid growth can lead to increased costs and reduced profitability as competition for ad space intensifies.

Some YC companies are achieving profitability quickly, allowing them to focus on building their business without the pressure of additional funding rounds.

Relying solely on paid acquisition for growth is risky. If your growth depends only on ads, it may not be sustainable in the long run, especially as competition increases.

When evaluating a startup application, YC looks for unique insights on user acquisition and the founder's competence. Having traction and a clear understanding of your market is crucial.

Four companies—Airbnb, Coinbase, Reddit, and Instacart—account for over 85% of Y Combinator's returns, illustrating the VC power law in action.

Changes in advertising platforms, like those made to iOS, can drastically affect your business. Many companies have failed due to over-reliance on paid growth strategies that become unsustainable after such changes.