That tight-knit environment couldn't last when they keep taking on a bigger volume of startups every year.

2005 - 8 startups

2010 - 63 startups

2015 - 216 startups

2020 - 435 startups

2024 - 509 startups so far (likely 600+ when the Fall batch is done)

https://www.ycombinator.com/companies