Appendix B: Making a case for startup accelerators as Membership

Some people have reported that they were not able to meet the criteria for memberships by including a startup accelerator.

The main thing you’ll need to highlight is the selection criteria for the startup accelerator.

Here’s an example of Y Combinator membership argument.

The Beneficiary was selected as a member of this prestigious international accelerator and founders’ network out of thousands of applicants where the acceptance rate was less than 2%.

In the field of technology entrepreneurship, being accepted into a top accelerator or incubator program, such as Y Combinator (YC), is considered an elite membership. Only individuals with outstanding achievements in the field are granted membership into YC. The Beneficiary’s membership in YC is a reflection of his extraordinary ability in the field of technology entrepreneurship.

Evidence

• Expert Testimonial Letter from a Managing Partner at Y Combinator, describing its membership criteria and explaining why the Beneficiary was granted membership

• Information about YC, its mission, acceptance criteria, and selection process

• Data from Seed Accelerator Rankings Project, which objectively reviewed startup associations and designated YC with a top ‘Platinum-Plus’ rating

• Independent article from Forbes, which states Y Combinator as a Top 3 global association which accepts only 1-2% out of thousands of annual applicant Founders

You need to convince USCIS that the startup accelerator you were accepted into has a highly selective admission process, demonstrating its significance among other accelerators. Additionally, mentioning other successful startups or founders who have been part of this accelerator can further strengthen your case.

Some of the highly accomplished startup founders that are included in this membership include Sam Altman, Gary Tan, etc, etc.