4 questions reported in Y Combinator interviews, organised by the group that asks them. Every question carries a model answer and graded feedback on your own attempt.
Questions
Easy · Medium
Hard
Model builds
Built in the spreadsheet grid
Founder assessment, market sizing from first principles and ownership maths. 4 questions
A first-round question testing whether a candidate understands why seed investing differs from buying public stocks.
A company has a prototype, three pilot customers and no meaningful revenue. What is a seed investor buying, and what is the investor not buying?
A core seed underwriting calculation that tests whether capital is connected to a de-risking plan.
A startup has $1.8m in cash, burns $150k per month, and plans to raise $3.0m. It expects monthly burn to rise to $250k after six months. Calculate the post-financing runway and explain what you would…
A cap-table exercise used to test whether an analyst can reconcile headline valuation, ownership and pre-money option-pool dilution.
Two founders own 8.0m shares. Before a priced seed round, the investor requires a 1.0m-share option pool to be created. The investor puts in $2.0m for 20% post-money ownership. Calculate the investor…
The instrument question in every seed conversation.
Explain a SAFE, a convertible note and a priced round. What are the risks of stacking SAFEs?
Write your answer, get it graded on technical accuracy, completeness and communication, and see exactly which mechanic you missed.
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