Demo Day FAQ

The Basics

What is Demo Day?

On Demo Day, the latest batch of Y Combinator-funded founders present their companies to a room full of specially selected investors and press. Summer 2021 Demo Day will be a two-day online-only event.

Demo Day is a private, invitation-only event and is always oversubscribed. You must have received an invitation and RSVP'd YES to attend.

There is no continuous “list” of investors who are always invited to Demo Day. Investors are invited based on their recent investment history with YC.

When is Demo Day?

At the end of March and the end of August each year.

Demo Day for the Summer 2021 batch will be held via live stream on Tuesday, August 31st and Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 from 9AM-1:30PM PT.

Where is Demo Day held?

For the Summer 2021 batch, Demo Day will be held online.

What is the current format of Demo Day?

For Summer 2021, the event is a two-day virtual only event. Each company presents for one minute, with breaks throughout the day. Our Demo Day website will provide you with access to the live stream, company information and the ability to connect with each company.

How do I get an invitation to Demo Day?

Invitations are based primarily on your investment history, with special weight to investments in YC companies. We will automatically invite investors who have invested regularly in YC companies. You can also apply to attend.

When is Investor Day?

After analyzing its effectiveness, we will no longer be hosting Investor Day (as of the W19 batch).

How do I request a press pass?

Email press@ycombinator.com

Invitations

Why didn’t I receive an invitation after I applied?

We have limited seating available for the event and receive far more qualified applications than we have room for.

I'd like someone else at my firm to attend Demo Day.

They will have to apply separately. They can apply here.

When do you stop taking applications to attend Demo Day?

We will turn off applications when we reach capacity for the event. This is usually at least a week before Demo Day.

Can I share my invite with someone else who is interested in seeing the companies?

The invitation to Demo Day is for you and you only. It is not transferrable and it cannot be used for multiple people.

If you know someone who would like to attend, they can request an invitation in advance of the event.

Can I transfer the invitation to someone else in my firm?

If you have an invitation representing a firm and would like to transfer your invitation to another partner, please email us at demoday@ycombinator.com.

Transfers to other partners are generally fine, transfers to associates or other non-partner staff are not.

During Demo Day

How is Demo Day structured?

Demo Day takes place over two days. The founders present their companies to the audience, and each group of presentations is punctuated with breaks where you can meet and speak with the founders of the companies you're interested in.

**Update for 2020-21: Demo Day has been moved to an entirely online event.

Can I get information on which companies will be presenting?

We don't share information on the companies in advance of Demo Day. Each day's list is given out in the morning. However, you can check the YC Blog for posts on many of the companies presenting.