Former Y Combinator Partners Launch Standard Capital with Streamlined Series A Funding, Deadline Nears

Standard Capital, a new Series A funding initiative founded by former Y Combinator partners Dalton Caldwell and Paul Buchheit, has opened applications for startups seeking capital through what it describes as a streamlined process. The fund aims to simplify the often-complex venture capital fundraising landscape, with a pressing application deadline set for Wednesday at 9 PM. The announcement was prominently shared by Michael Seibel, a Partner Emeritus at Y Combinator, who urged founders to consider the opportunity.

Michael Seibel, a well-known figure in the startup ecosystem, highlighted the fund's approach on social media, stating, > "Considering raising a Series A and don’t want to deal with the usual clown show process? Well this week’s Dalton + Michael video on Standard Capital will be of interest to you. Apply for Series A funding - deadline Wed 9pm." This direct appeal underscores Standard Capital's ambition to offer a more efficient alternative to traditional Series A rounds.

Standard Capital will allow startups to apply for specific funding amounts, with the capacity to write checks of $5 million or $10 million in exchange for approximately 10% equity, according to sources familiar with the project. The fund is expected to accept around 20 companies annually, divided into four batches, diverging from Y Combinator's typical seed-stage investment model. Y Combinator itself will be an investor in the new fund, signaling a strategic alignment with its former partners.

Dalton Caldwell and Paul Buchheit, both long-tenured partners at Y Combinator, departed the accelerator to launch Standard Capital. Caldwell, who served as Managing Partner of Investments, advised numerous successful companies including DoorDash and Brex. Buchheit, known as the creator of Gmail and an early Google employee, brings extensive operational and advisory experience to the new venture. Their combined decades of experience at YC position them to mentor a new generation of founders.

The "Dalton + Michael video" referenced in the announcement is anticipated to provide further details on the application process and the unique benefits offered by Standard Capital. This initiative emerges as Y Combinator faces increased competition and has seen high-profile departures, including Michael Seibel's earlier transition to Partner Emeritus in March 2025 to focus on government projects. The new fund represents an evolution in the early-stage funding landscape, seeking to address founder frustrations with conventional fundraising.

With the tight application window, startups are encouraged to act swiftly to explore this opportunity, which promises a departure from the "clown show" of traditional Series A funding. Standard Capital's launch, backed by the credibility of its founders and Y Combinator's investment, could significantly impact how early-stage companies secure growth capital.