Y Combinator (YC), a prominent startup incubator, will enable founders to receive funding in stablecoins, specifically USDC from Circle, starting in spring 2026. This initiative will not be limited to crypto-oriented startups but will extend to all companies within the YC portfolio, according to partner Nemil Dalal.
The decision aligns with the evolving regulatory landscape for stablecoins following the introduction of the GENIUS Act in the U.S. Stablecoins present a cost-effective and rapid alternative for transactions, especially beneficial for founders operating outside the U.S.
Dalal highlighted that "Transfers in stablecoins typically cost less than a cent and are processed in under a second, even across borders," contrasting this with traditional banking methods that can incur high fees and lengthy processing times.
He also pointed out that stablecoin transactions require less information compared to conventional financial institutions, making them more accessible. Some YC-backed startups in regions like India and Latin America are already leveraging stablecoins to facilitate capital movement and safeguard savings in areas with limited banking services.
