Y Combinator hosted its Summer time 2025 Demo Day final week, showcasing the newest batch of over 160 startups.
As with current batches, the vast majority of startups offered AI-centric options. Nevertheless, a transparent evolution was evident. As an alternative of “AI-powered” merchandise, many firms are actually constructing AI brokers or the infrastructure and instruments wanted to develop them. As an example, this batch had a flurry of voice AI options and new companies targeted on serving to others monetize the “AI financial system” with advertisements and advertising instruments.
We spoke with a handful of YC-focused traders to study which startups they discovered most fascinating and which generated the very best funding demand.
Beneath are essentially the most steadily talked about ones:
What it does: Stripe for AI startups
Why it’s a favourite: Many AI startups use complicated pricing fashions that usually mix a flat subscription price per seat with usage-based prices, credit, and numerous add-on prices. Managing complicated AI pricing on Stripe is a time-consuming, guide course of. That’s why Autumn developed an open-source infrastructure that simplifies Stripe integration for AI startups. The corporate says its expertise is already utilized by tons of of AI apps and 40 YC startups. Given Stripe’s dominance in funds and the explosive progress of the AI market, might a specialised billing resolution for AI be the following main fintech success story?
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October 27-29, 2025
What it does: Builds Vercel for AI brokers
Why it’s a favourite: Simply as Vercel helps builders deploy and host startups, Dedalus Labs claims its platform automates the infrastructure for constructing AI brokers, chopping hours of coding down to some clicks. The corporate handles complicated duties like autoscaling and cargo balancing, which it says makes agent deployment quick and easy.
What it does: crowdsource rankings of vibe coded designs
Why it’s a favourite: The power of AI to quickly generate an enormous variety of designs creates a brand new drawback: determining which of them are literally good. Design Area solves this by crowdsourcing rankings of AI-generated visuals, making a suggestions loop that forces AI fashions to enhance. Massive AI labs see worth in coaching their fashions to generate higher designs, as a few of them are already Design Area’s prospects.
What it does: Tech-enabled distributor for retailers in Southeast Asia
Why it’s a favourite: Getasap Asia was based by Raghav Arora three years in the past when he was simply 14 years outdated. Since then, the startup that makes use of tech to ship provides to nook shops, eating places and huge supermarkets in Southeast Asia in beneath eight hours, has earned tens of millions in income. Getasap Asia closed a spherical from Normal Catalyst, in response to its website, and we’re listening to that the startup’s valuation was among the many highest in the entire batch.
What it does: AI engineer that fixes bugs in manufacturing
Why it’s a favourite: Based by a 20-year-old Pablo Hansen who final yr earned a grasp’s diploma in AI, Keystone is on a mission to scale back software program breaks. The corporate’s AI finds and fixes bugs for purchasers like Lovable and has already turned down a seven-figure acquisition provide, Hansen mentioned.
What it does: AI matchmaker for feminine buddies
Why it’s a favourite: Whereas there isn’t a scarcity of courting apps, RealRoots is tackling a unique form of loneliness. The corporate’s AI matchmaker, Lisa, interviews ladies after which organizes social experiences to attach them with appropriate buddies. Whereas the AI half may be performative – conversations with Lisa in all probability wouldn’t give RealRoots extra insights about members than written solutions would – RealRoots could also be on to one thing. Final month alone, the corporate generated $782,000 from 9,000 paying purchasers, its founders mentioned.
What it does: Automates insurance coverage claims with AI
Why it’s a favourite: Solva’s AI automates essentially the most routine duties for insurance coverage adjusters, from filling out complicated claims to stopping improper payouts. Simply ten weeks after launching, Solva has already amassed $245,000 in annual recurring income (ARR), a determine that has traders excited.
What it does: counter-drone mini-missiles
Why it’s a favourite: With China reportedly amassing swarms of cheap drones, the U.S. navy faces an pressing want for cost-effective counter-drone options. Perseus is creating simply that: small missiles designed to shoot down drones at a fraction of the price of current programs. A number of branches of the U.S. navy have already invited the startup to exhibit its resolution, which might result in hefty contracts.
What it does: AI international language tutor
Why it’s a favourite: Apps like Duolingo have made language studying accessible and enjoyable, however they typically lack a key element of fluency: constant dialog. Pingo solves this drawback by permitting customers to talk with its AI, which acts as a local speaker. The corporate’s distinctive strategy is proving extremely in style, with founders claiming it’s rising 70% month-to-month and incomes $250,000 in month-to-month income.
