How to find a cofounder: YC's data and advice

Executive overview

Most top YC companies have cofounders — and where and how those teams formed follows a clear pattern. Solo founding is possible but statistically rare among breakout outcomes.

The data points to school and work as the best places to find cofounders, and YC looks for teams with balance, history, and equal equity splits.

94% of top YC companies have cofounders — and equal equity signals equal commitment.

Where top YC cofounders met

• ~50% of teams at $100M+ valuations met at school (mostly undergrad)
• ~20% met at work
• ~16% were introduced by mutual friends
• Among female founders: ~33% school, ~20% work, ~10% events
• School and work work best because you've seen the person perform over time

What YC looks for in cofounding teams

• Balanced teams: one who can build, one who can sell
• Evidence of working together before applying — not just meeting weeks prior
• Joint ideation preferred; but a cofounder brought in later is fine if equity is equal
• Equal equity split across all cofounders
• If you won't give equal equity, reconsider whether they're the right person

On equity splits

• Average time to IPO or exit: 8–10 years — most of the company's life is ahead
• Equal equity ensures all cofounders feel fully invested for the long haul
• A cofounder offering you less than equal equity may not value your contributions