πŸš€ Y Combinator×❄️ Winter 2025

YC Winter 2025: The Great Pivot to Autonomous Agents

167 startups in this batch

What Was YC WINTER 2025?

The W25 cohort emerged during the Great Agentic Pivot, a period where the industry moved beyond simple chat interfaces toward autonomous systems. This era was defined by a stabilization of interest rates and an aggressive enterprise push to integrate generative AI into core operational workflows rather than just peripheral tools.

What These 167 Startups Built and Proved

This batch successfully validated that B2B buyers prioritize outcome-based automation over traditional seat-based SaaS, particularly in complex fields like CAD engineering and ERP management. They proved that inter-agent communication protocols and AI-native education tools could achieve rapid product-market fit by solving specific, high-friction cognitive bottlenecks.

What Failed and What to Learn From It

Many startups in this cohort eventually struggled because they underestimated the reliability gap in non-deterministic systems, leading to high churn in mission-critical enterprise roles. Builders today should learn that generic agentic layers without deep, proprietary data moats were quickly commoditized by foundational model updates.

The Relaunch Opportunity in 2026

The 2026 opportunity lies in hyper-verticalized micro-agents that solve a single, high-stakes problem with 99.9% reliability. While W25 focused on broad "enterprise automation," a solo founder can now use advanced reasoning models to build a wedge in niche markets like automated hardware compliance or specialized exam prep.

a0.devYC

active

We make mobile apps using AI.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

A1BaseYC

active

Twilio for AI Agents

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AdamYC

active

AI Powered CAD

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Research lab investigating the boundaries of AI capabilities.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI Agents that automate enterprise software processes

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI-driven exam prep

πŸ“ CopenhagenπŸ“… 2025

AltrinaYC

active

The SOP Automation Platform

πŸ“ Menlo ParkπŸ“… 2025

AI Copilot for Ambulance Agencies (EMS)

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

ArchonYC

active

We help software companies sell to government.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

An Collaborative, AI-native IDE for Hardware Engineers

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

We use AI to simulate entire human societies

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Open Source React.js Library for AI Chat

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI Browser Agents for the Back-Office

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

AstroYC

active

The world’s first AI energy developer

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

Get Your Brand Discovered on AI Search.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

awenYC

active

We are rebuilding photoshop with an AI-voice interface.

πŸ“ RemoteπŸ“… 2025

AxalYC

active

Automate Data Entry From Inbox to ERP

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AxiomYC

active

Trade memecoins, perpetuals, and earn yield.

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

BezelYC

active

Digital AI humans that model clothes for e-commerce brands.

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

Bild AIYC

active

AI that understands construction blueprints

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Discovering new pesticides with AI

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Stablecoin API for global payments

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

AI for accounting

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Leading open-source web agent project with 50k stars in 3 months

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

ButterYC

active

Muscle Memory Cache for Agents

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

Find your next hospitality deal.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Enterprise-grade AI support reps for call centers

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

CandidYC

active

The hiring platform for exceptional talent

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

CandorYC

active

AI-powered platform that automates discovery, drafting, and compliance for government funding applications.

AI compliance co-pilot for regulated financial businesses

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Voice AI teams for medicare agencies.

πŸ“ San MateoπŸ“… 2025

the AI inbound sales team for law firms

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

CedarYC

active

The open source copilot for any app

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

CenoteYC

active

AI agents that convert and retain patients for digital clinics

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

CifratoYC

active

AI Accountant for Accounting Firms providing end-to-end accounting workflows executed by AI agents.

πŸ“ BogotΓ‘πŸ“… 2025

ClosureYC

active

We help law enforcement solve crime

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

The Leading LLM Eval and Observability Platform for AI Quality

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI-powered video surveillance platform enabling natural language queries on security camera footage for search, alerts, and analytics.

Fill critical roles faster with AI-powered recruiters

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

CopyCatYC

active

AI Biopsy Callback Platform for Dermatologists

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

CorsairYC

active

The TypeScript Integration Framework

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

Real-time AI translator for global sales and marketing

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

DalusYC

active

AI-Powered Hardware System Design Software

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

AI Analyst for Electricity Markets

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Agents for Accelerated Clinical Trial Design

πŸ“ BostonπŸ“… 2025

Character.AI with real time video avatars

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

EdexiaYC

active

AI Teacher Assistant for Grading Essays

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

AI agents automating revenue cycle management for dental offices and healthcare providers.

πŸ“… 2024

AI for air traffic control

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

ErgoYC

active

AI Agents for Revenue Teams

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI tutor starting with maths and science

πŸ“ StanfordπŸ“… 2025

AI drug discovery platform for neurotherapeutics

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

ExlaYC

active

An SDK to run transformer models anywhere

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

finbarYC

active

The AI investment analyst

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

FiraYC

active

Financial research platform for investment firms

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

FlowtelYC

active

The AI Voice agents for hotels

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Software Enabled CNC Parts Supplier

πŸ“ TorontoπŸ“… 2025

FuseAIYC

active

The only outbound sales software you will ever need.

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

G LNKYC

active

Simplifying Collaboration for Healthcare Organizations & Professionals

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

GaleYC

active

Fast and Data-Driven Immigration Platform

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI for the physical world

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI Grading for Teachers

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

HaleumYC

active

Human Risk Intelligence for the AI-era

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

HarberaYC

active

AI Healthcare Provider Credentialing Software

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

HarperYC

active

AI-native commercial insurance brokerage

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

AI-powered Patient Identification for Clinical Trials

πŸ“ AustinπŸ“… 2025

Voice AI for Home Services

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

hudYC

active

Platform for building RL environments and evals

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Global B2B Stablecoin Processor

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Building lunar landers

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

Manufacturing the most powerful chips, 15x faster

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

InvoYC

active

AI-Powered Collections Platform for Food Distributors

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

KarooYC

active

Canadian neobank focused on lending

πŸ“ TorontoπŸ“… 2025

KarsaYC

active

Stablecoin neobank for emerging markets

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

Voice AI agents to automate call centers (digital call center workers)

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Cursor for Content Creation

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Data Unification for GTM Analytics

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

LucidYC

active

interactive video models

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

AI Agent Training via Simulations

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI Agents for Complex Engineering Projects

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

MaiveYC

active

AI for Home Services

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Fusion reactors for ships

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

MastraYC

active

The Javascript framework for building AI agents, from the Gatsby devs

πŸ“ RemoteπŸ“… 2025

Foundation models to automate x-ray analysis for radiologists

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

MentraYC

active

Building the open source smart glasses operating system.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

MercuraYC

active

AI Quote and Order Automation for Distributors & Manufacturers

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

MeshYC

active

Know where your money is going, regardless of when invoices arrive

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Misprint is building Robinhood for Pokemon cards

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

AI-powered platform transforming educational videos into interactive courses with quizzes, AI tutoring, and exam prep for SAT and ACT.

πŸ“… 2025

MosaicYC

active

Agentic video editing

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

High Quality Multilingual Training Data for AI Models

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

NitrodeYC

active

AI game development engine & platform

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

OkiYC

active

Personalized Updates on Company Progress

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

OliveYC

active

AI Applicant Screening

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

OnlookYC

active

Cursor for Designers

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Voice-based AI front door for law firms that handles client intake calls, captures details, qualifies leads, and schedules consultations.

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

OperandYC

active

AI to Replace Management Consulting

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI performance monitoring for factory workers

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

High Thrust Space Vehicles for Satellite Defense

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

OrchidsYC

active

The AI Full Stack Engineer

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

OsmosisYC

active

Reinforcement Learning for AI Agents

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

OutlitYC

active

Account-level Customer Journey

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

The on-demand data team for medium-to-large enterprises

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2024

OvloYC

active

AI agents for supply chain workflow automation

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

ParagonYC

active

The AI Growth Engine for Industrials

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Medical Voice Agents for Patient Management

πŸ“ Menlo ParkπŸ“… 2025

Robots that repair roads

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

More 𝛼, less latency: exchange and HFT on one chip.

πŸ“ Redwood CityπŸ“… 2025

Self-improving knowledge base synthesizing scattered company data

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

AI co-pilot for building plan review and building code compliance

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

PickleYC

active

Where your life context becomes understanding.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

PinchYC

active

Real-time AI Voice Translation for Developers

πŸ“ RemoteπŸ“… 2025

PraximYC

active

Agentic AI editor for Microsoft Word that enables document-wide edits with formatting preservation, file and web context integration.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Making humanoids dexterous enough to thread a needle

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

An AI teammate that automatically updates your customer-facing docs

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

AI documentation engineer – test & autoimprove stale product docs

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

RallyYC

active

Financial OS for Modern Fleets

πŸ“ BerlinπŸ“… 2025

ReboltYC

active

Build apps and agents by speaking with AI

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

A Roomba for weeds on a farm.

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

Reusable Satellites for zero-g manufacturing

πŸ“ AtlantaπŸ“… 2025

ReJotYC

active

We turn complex API integrations into drop‑in full‑stack libraries

πŸ“ AmsterdamπŸ“… 2025

A vintage marketplace curated by AI

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

Automating refurbishment of $1T in consumer electronics

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

RivieraYC

active

AI Employees for Hotels

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

RoarkYC

active

Test, monitor, and improve your voice agents

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

The AI Maximalist Software Holding Company

πŸ“ RemoteπŸ“… 2025

We help defense firms win more contracts with the Pentagon

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

SAMMY Labs, the knowledge layer for your people and AI

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

ScoutYC

active

AI-powered student information system for K-12 schools

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

AI Code Review for Salesforce Development

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AI agents for CX teams, starting with training and QA.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

Autonomous patrol-boats for National Security

πŸ“ El SegundoπŸ“… 2025

SpottYC

active

AI-native ATS/CRM for recruiting firms

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

StampYC

active

The AI Native Email Client

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

Hardware for Electric Vehicles.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Autonomous Electrical Engineering

πŸ“ ZΓΌrichπŸ“… 2025

StrikeYC

active

Regulated futures exchange

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Software that maps your infrastructure. Open core alternative to Wiz

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

SublingualYC

shutdown

Daily productivity tracker

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Zero code network tracer

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

AI that fixes enterprise glue

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

SwerveYC

active

Chat with AI Characters

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

TamLabsYC

active

Cursor for Microsoft Word

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Risk Decisioning Platform for Banks

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Vercel For GPUs

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

TergleYC

active

AI Agents for Audit

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Building Dex, the AI Browser Copilot

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

SaaS platform using AI to automate affordable housing eligibility verification, income certification, and compliance workflows.

πŸ“ New York CityπŸ“… 2025

AI for insurance verification & billing at dental clinics

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

TraceYC

active

Voice AI Customer Support for Financial Services

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Reasoning Fine-Tuning

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

TrataYC

active

AI-powered research desk for hedge funds

πŸ“ New YorkπŸ“… 2025

TravaYC

active

AI agents for global trade compliance

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

TrimYC

active

A foundation model for physics.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

AWS for AI Agents

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Lovable for Chrome Plugins

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Disease-focused biotech developing polytherapy therapeutics for Rett Syndrome and other genetic diseases using gene editing, ASOs, and small molecules.

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2024

VantelYC

active

AI Platform for Commercial Insurance Brokerages

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

People search that works

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

VetnioYC

active

AI Copilot that automates admin work for veterinary professionals

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

Voice AI for medical language translation

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

We automate urban planning so cities can build cheaper and faster.

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

WeaveYC

active

AI to understand engineering work

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

Sell Products in ChatGPT Shopping

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

WozYC

active

AI platform enabling anyone to build and scale software businesses

πŸ“ San FranciscoπŸ“… 2025

The OS for healthcare staffing, starting with scheduling AI agents.

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2025

High accuracy search API over unstructured data.

πŸ“ UnknownπŸ“… 2024