Startup accelerator Y Combinator (YC) has returned to hosting in-person Demo Day events, having adopted virtual presentations since the pandemic.
The much-anticipated gathering, featuring pitches from the Fall 2024 batch of startups, is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 December, in San Francisco.
Ahead of this main event, YC held an Alumni Demo Day on Sunday, setting a high-energy tone for the week. This prelude was for alumni to mentor and support the latest cohort of startups.
Esther Crawford, a former Y Combinator participant and current product strategist, commended the event’s lively atmosphere, while Milo CEO Avni Patel Thompson described it as a valuable “dress rehearsal” for the founders.
This year’s Demo Day comes with an exclusive, invite-only audience of 1,500 investors and press representatives, as YC aims to continually boost intimate, impactful networking opportunities.
While the primary event will take place in person, those unable to attend can access the Demo Day website for company details, ensuring wider accessibility.
Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan gave a bit of a reveal regarding the change during the last virtual Demo Day in September, stating it was the final fully remote edition.
The accelerator’s physical events are a return to its roots, aiming to recapture the interpersonal connections that many believe are essential in the world of startups and venture capital.
In blending the traditional in-person format with digital accessibility, YC is adapting to the changing needs of its global audience while emphasising the importance of community and mentorship in building successful startups.
