The YC Access Report: Why 99% of LPs Are Missing 176% Annual Returns

Y Combinator has produced more breakout companies than any accelerator in history.
Yet most sophisticated investors still fail to get meaningful exposure.

This 40-page, data-backed report explains why access is structurally scarce — and the four repeatable ways investors are solving it right now.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• What YC exposure has actually returned.
  A YC “index” thought experiment vs. top-decile VC performance — with the assumptions shown.

• Why most angels miss the power law.
  The portfolio math behind YC outcomes and the allocation strategy that fixes it.

• The 6 barriers that keep 99% of LPs out.
  From minimum check sizes to pro-rata capture — and how they play out in real YC rounds.

• Four proven pathways to YC returns (with pros/cons).
  Direct angel, specialized funds, rolling funds, and traditional VC exposure — compared honestly.

• Why 2026–2030 may be a rare window.
  AI tailwinds, valuation reset, and faster liquidity cycles could create outsized return dispersion.

• A decision framework you can use immediately.
  Identify your investor archetype, pick a pathway, and avoid common YC-focused manager red flags.