6.5%+ of YC startups become unicorns.
We invest in them.
Y Combinator s widely recognized as the highest concentration of talented founders in the startup world. With an acceptance rate of just 1, YC ttracts and admits only the most promising entrepreneurs from around the globe. This exclusivity, combined with a rigorous selection process, ensures that each cohort is filled with world-class founders driven to build impactful companies
Our principles
Founder-Centric
Gabriel built his network as a founder before becoming an investor. His connections across YC come from real relationships, and working hard to provide value to the ecosystem. When our founders need specific help, Lobster Capital makes targeted introductions that matter.
YC Data Advantage
With investments in 100+ YC startups, we've developed a systematic approach to identifying winners in the YC asset class. This gives us practical insights into what works and what doesn't in this specific ecosystem. We've developed clear patterns for identifying the most promising YC startups early, looking beyond the obvious signals. This gives our LPs exposure to the highest-performing segment of early-stage investing.
Building Something Real
We back founders working on problems that need solving, not just what's trendy. The best companies take time to build, and we're willing to wait for meaningful outcomes rather than chasing quick flips. We focus on businesses with sustainable economics that can survive market shifts. Our goal is to fund companies that will still matter a decade from now.
Gabriel is a 7x founder with 3 exits & 4 failures.
He bootstrapped to $1M ARR with 0 employees.
He's been investing in startups since 2013.
Our playbook
Early signs that customers love and need the solution
Clear paths to efficient growth and market expansion
Teams with unique insights and relentless execution
I. The Lobster Story
In 2019, Gabriel arrived in San Francisco asking one question: where are the best startups built? The data was clear - YC startups were converting to unicorns at an exceptional rate.
As a founder who had built seven companies (and seen four fail), he saw firsthand how YC’s methodology shaped focused, adaptable founders.
Access took years of networking and persistence, but the payoff came in 2023 with the launch of Lobster Capital - built on deep YC specialization.
This approach connected with investors globally, particularly Europeans seeking access to Silicon Valley's most productive startup factory and its A* founders.
Lobsters don't peak early - they grow stronger with age, continually shedding their shells to expand. The best founders do the same.
II. The Lobster Promise
We back founders solving real problems that matter. Challenges that affect billions of lives need ambitious technical solutions.
YC consistently produces companies tackling these issues with practical approaches that scale. We find the best of them early and help them grow into world-changing organizations.
Our focus is on returns through supporting founders whose work creates measurable positive impact. The most valuable companies of tomorrow will generate wealth by improving how we live, work, and interact with our planet.
That's the promise of technology done right, and that's what drives our investment decisions.