Y Combinator (Startup Forge)

We discovered the most important value propositions of the popular startup accelerator YC by running YC through Validated.To protect the YC brand, we ran all ads under the name Startup Forge. Validated identified competitors, generated 20 ads, ranked the importance of YC features and much more.


We have no affiliation with Ycombinator.

Inputs

A description of what you intend to build

Startup Forge is a prominent startup accelerator that offers critical seed funding, expert mentorship, and valuable networking opportunities to early-stage companies. By investing in and supporting innovative startups, it acts as a catalyst for growth and success in the competitive tech industry.

What Features do you wish to test?

1. Mentorship and Guidance
2. Funding and Investment
3. Network
4. Providing Housing
5. Carry in the fund for the founders

Overview

VALIDATED AI - CASE STUDY OF Y COMBINATOR

General Approach to Ads

Body Copy

We run 2 copy styles, which are the 2 styles used most frequently by your competitors. This helps us minimize variation due to copy.

Ad Headline

The ad headline which is the preview on FB is consistent across positionings

Creative

Creative is constant across all ads, we only change the text on the creative.

Example Ad:

VALIDATED AI - CREATIVES

TLDR

Funding and investment ranks highest in CTR, followed closely by carry in the fund and the YC network. Housing and mentorship & guidance have lower engagement.

VALIDATED AI - YC CASE STUDY

Feature + Value Proposition Performance

Housing subsidies and Funding & Investment features with Authority Style (AS) copy have the highest CTRs, while Mentorship & Guidance features with Value Proposition Style (VPS) copy show the lowest. Authority Style performs particularly well in the top ranking features.

VALIDATED AI - YC CASE STUDY
VALIDATED AI - YCOMBINATOR

Gender and Age Distribution

Interest in the product is primarily from males. We also see an uptick in interest from 25-34 year old males. The uptick in 65+ is likely due to this demographic engaging with ads frequently.

VALIDATED AI - YC CASE STUDY
VALIDATED AI - YC CASE STUDY

Copy Style

The Authority Style copy generally outperforms Value Proposition across the board, with the most notable lead in Funding & Investment and Provide Housing categories.

validated ai - copy styles

Ranking

1. Authority Style
2. Value Proposition Style

Statistical Confidence

84% confident.

VALIDATED AI ICON

Learn what Customers Want.