Best Internships at YC Startups

Y Combinator (YC) has helped launch some of the most well-known startups of the past two decades, including Dropbox, Airbnb, Stripe, and Reddit, to name a few. But beyond the big names, YC supports hundreds of early-stage startups every year, many of which are hiring interns for roles that offer serious responsibility and growth.

This list brings together internships from a wide range of YC-backed companies in fields like software, healthcare, education, logistics, fintech, and more. Whether you're looking to get your hands dirty with code, help build marketing strategies from scratch, or contribute to design or product development, you'll find real-world roles where your contributions will matter from day one.

Interning at a startup company, especially one in YC’s network, means working directly with founders and small, agile teams. These internships often don’t follow the typical corporate structure. You won’t just be taking notes in meetings, you’ll likely be building things, running experiments, or solving problems that directly affect customers. It’s a unique kind of experience that teaches both independence and adaptability.

While some YC startups run formal summer internship programs, many hire interns on a rolling basis or as needed. Some roles are remote, others are hybrid or in-person, depending on the company’s setup. Most internships are paid, but compensation can vary, especially for very early-stage teams. What’s consistent is the opportunity to learn quickly and have a seat at the table in a company that’s actively figuring things out.

If you're interested in startups and want a behind-the-scenes view of how early companies grow and operate, these internships are a great place to start. Whether you’re aiming for a career in startups or just want an internship where you’ll be challenged and trusted, this list can help you find the right fit.