Question 1

What is YC Roaster?

Accepted Answer

A free AI-powered tool that reviews your Y Combinator application before you submit it. Built by Lobster Capital, a VC fund 100% focused on YC companies with $40M+ deployed across 100+ YC startups.

Question 2

Is YC Roaster really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free — no catch, no upsell. Lobster Capital built this to give back to the YC community and help more great companies get accepted.

Question 3

How does YC Roaster work?

Accepted Answer

Upload your YC application (PDF or Word) and you'll receive AI-powered feedback shortly after submission, scored across 7 dimensions — including traction, team, market, and scalability. Applications that show strong potential get matched with a YC alumni reviewer for deeper, personalized feedback.

Question 4

What kind of feedback will I get?

Accepted Answer

A scored evaluation across 7 dimensions with specific strengths, risks, and suggestions tailored to your application. It's not generic advice — the feedback is based on what's actually in your application.

Question 5

Who built YC Roaster and why?

Accepted Answer

YC Roaster is built by Lobster Capital, a venture firm 100% focused on investing in YC companies. With 100+ YC companies in their portfolio, this is their way of helping more founders put their best application forward. Not affiliated with Y Combinator.

Question 6

How is this different from asking ChatGPT to review my application?

Accepted Answer

YC Roaster is built by a team that invests exclusively in YC companies. The AI uses a purpose-built framework across 7 specific dimensions based on insights from reviewing hundreds of YC applications. Strong applications also get matched with real YC alumni reviewers — something no general-purpose AI can offer.

Question 7

When should I submit my application?

Accepted Answer

As early as possible. The sooner you submit, the more time you have to get feedback, iterate, and strengthen your application before the YC deadline.

Question 8

Will everyone get a Zoom call?

Accepted Answer

Everyone gets AI-powered written feedback. If you're matched with a YC alumni reviewer and they see strong potential, they may invite you for a 1-on-1 Zoom session.

What we learned from Open Source YC applications

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