Y Combinator Standard Cold Email
The gold-standard cold outreach framework recommended by Y Combinator. Focuses on brevity, low-friction asks, and clear value proposition.
Author
AI Free Tools Editorial
Published
March 17, 2026
Updated
March 17, 2026
Read Time
Copy-ready template
This page is maintained by the AI Free Tools editorial team and updated when workflows, product details, or practical guidance change. When we recommend our own tools, the goal is to match the task the reader is already trying to complete.
**Subject:** Brief, relevant, no sales jargon (e.g., Quick question about [Company]) Hi [First Name], [Personalized Hook: 1 sentence referencing their recent work, a shared connection, or an uncommon commonality to prove you aren't spamming.] We're building [Your Company/Product] to help [Target User] solve [Specific Problem] by [Your Unique Solution]. [Optional traction: We recently helped X achieve Y result.] [Credibility Drop: 1 sentence on why they should listen to you - e.g., YC batch, past exit, notable customers.] Would you be open to a quick 10-minute chat next week to share your thoughts on this space? / Alternatively: Are you the right person to speak with about [Topic]? Best, [Your Name] [Your Company]
💡 Pro Tip
Keep it under 60 seconds to read. According to YC partners Michael Seibel and Aaron Epstein, the goal is to start a conversation, not close a deal in the first email.
📌 When to Use This Template
B2B Cold Outreach, Investor Outreach
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