6.5%+ of YC startups become unicorns.
We invest in them.
Y Combinator is widely recognized as the highest concentration of talented founders in the startup world. With an acceptance rate of just 1%, YC attracts 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
Our team built its network as founders before becoming investors. Relationships across YC come from real collaboration and years of providing value to the ecosystem. When portfolio founders need specific help, Lobster Capital delivers targeted, high-impact introductions that move the needle.
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.
Meet our GP:
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, our founding team began exploring one core question: where are the best startups built? The data was clear — YC startups were converting to unicorns at an exceptional rate.
As multi-time founders ourselves, with wins and failures behind us, we saw firsthand how YC's methodology shaped discipline, adaptable founders. Building deep access to this network took years of trust, persistence and contribution to the community. In 2023, that groundwork became Lobster Capital: a fund built on YC specialization and a disciplined approach to investing in the best of the best.
This approach resonated strongly with investors worldwide, especially those seeking structured, professional access to Silicon Valley’s most productive startup factory.
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.