Michael Seibel

Michael Seibel is a highly influential figure in the startup ecosystem, primarily known for his role as a Managing Director and Group Partner at Y Combinator, one of the world's most prestigious startup accelerators. Before transitioning into venture capital and accelerator leadership, Seibel was a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded Justin.tv, which later evolved into the immensely popular live-streaming platform Twitch, acquired by Amazon for $970 million in 2014. He also served as CEO of Socialcam, a mobile video sharing app that was acquired by Autodesk for $60 million in 2012, demonstrating his strong track record in building and scaling technology companies.

Since joining Y Combinator in 2013, Michael Seibel has played a pivotal role in shaping its investment strategy and program development. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity within the tech industry, actively working to fund and support founders from underrepresented backgrounds. His deep operational experience as a founder provides invaluable mentorship to the thousands of startups that pass through YC's rigorous program each year, guiding them through the challenges of early-stage growth and fundraising.

Under his leadership and alongside other partners, Y Combinator provides a standardized investment package to its batch companies. As of early 2022, YC's typical first cheque for participating startups is a total of $500,000. This investment is structured in two parts: an initial $125,000 for 7% equity, and an additional $375,000 on an uncapped Most Favored Nation (MFN) SAFE. This consistent and substantial early-stage capital is a cornerstone of YC's model, enabling founders to focus on product development and market fit.

Michael Seibel's impact extends beyond direct investment. He is instrumental in refining YC's curriculum and fostering a supportive community for founders. His guidance helps shape the trajectory of companies that collectively represent a significant portion of the global startup economy. The thousands of companies funded by YC, many of which he has directly overseen, boast a combined valuation exceeding $600 billion, underscoring his profound influence on the venture landscape.