Y Combinator to Offer Stablecoin Funding Option for Startups Starting Spring 2026

BlockBeats News, February 3rd, according to The Block, Silicon Valley's most well-known startup accelerator Y Combinator (YC) will allow startups to raise funding in the form of stablecoins, marking the first time the institution has offered this option to founders.

YC's Access Partner focused on the crypto space, Nemil Dalal, revealed that starting from the Spring 2026 batch, any startup receiving investment from YC—not just crypto-native or crypto-related companies—can opt for stablecoin payments. Dalal stated that YC will provide USDC funding via major blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Base, and Solana.

YC stated that this move comes as stablecoins have reached a so-called "regulatory inflection point" following the passage of the US "GENIUS Act." YC believes that stablecoin transfers are faster and cheaper compared to traditional fiat channels, making them particularly suitable for founders with cross-border operations.