# YC source playbook

## Where to look

- [YC company directory](https://www.ycombinator.com/companies)
- [Work at a Startup](https://www.workatastartup.com/)
- Latest YC batch announcements
- YC launch posts on Hacker News

## Filter for

- AI / devtools / infra / robotics / simulation / scientific computing
- Small teams with technical founders
- Companies doing novel work, not generic B2B automation
- Reachable founders (active online, public demos, technical blog)

## Workflow

1. Browse directory or batch list — read company one-liners and tags.
2. Open promising company sites — check technical depth, not just pitch deck language.
3. Score against **`profile/company-fit-rubric.md`**.
4. Create company with **`scripts/new_company.py`** if not already tracked.
5. Find founder or first engineer on LinkedIn/X/GitHub — **`scripts/new_contact.py`** if relevant.
6. Check careers page or Work at a Startup for roles — **`scripts/new_lead.py`** only if company scores high.

## Do not

- Add every YC company blindly
- Treat YC badge alone as high fit
- Invent hiring status or emails