Show HN: We review YC applications for free – with feedback from YC founders

[gjarrosson]

Hi HN, We just launched YC Roaster, a free YC application review service run by Lobster Capital. If you’re applying to Y Combinator, you can submit your application and get written feedback from founders who’ve actually gone through YC and built real companies. How it works * You submit your YC application (PDF) * It’s reviewed by successful YC founders in our network * Everyone gets written feedback * If we think you have a strong shot, we offer a short 1-on-1 Zoom call Why are we doing this for free? Lobster Capital is a VC fund that exclusively invests in YC companies. We’ve reviewed hundreds of YC applications over the years and backed 100+ YC startups. This is our way of giving back, and hopefully helping more strong teams get in. There’s no guarantee of acceptance, no pitch requirement, and no obligation to talk to us afterward. What we’re curious about * What parts of the YC application do founders struggle with the most? * What feedback have you found most useful when applying? Website: https://www.ycroaster.com Happy to answer questions or take feedback (including criticism).

[eduardogarza]

Is this a YC subsidiary or partner company? Given the color / branding and similarities, it's hard to tell.

[gjarrosson]

This is not affiliated with YC. It is specified on the website.

[kate_orlova]

Curious, do you give any feedback on how founders present verbally, or is it strictly the written application?

[westonw05]

does yc roasts watch the founder video and demo video? Or just the written part of the application?

[stream_anupam]

Thanks YCroaster for supporting fonders.

I applied to YC & out of curiosity, built this app to see how Paul Graham will evaluate it (FREE): https://www.ecoservity.com/2025

Just input: 1) founder's LinkedIn, 2) summary of the product & 3) what stage of application

Try it out & give feedback on how to make it useful for founders.