Y Combinator Founder Paul Graham '86 to Talk Startups Oct. 28

Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham, a member of Cornell's Class of 1986, will discuss startups on Oct. 28, according to the Cornell Chronicle.

Graham is one of the most influential figures in early-stage venture investing. He co-founded Y Combinator, the accelerator that launched some of the most valuable technology companies of the past two decades. His essays on startups and fundraising remain required reading among founders.

What makes the Oct. 28 event notable?

The talk brings Graham back to his alma mater. Cornell has confirmed the date and speaker through the Cornell Chronicle, which broke the announcement.

Graham's appearances are rare. When he speaks, founders and investors listen: his thinking on startup formation, seed funding and founder-market fit has shaped how an entire generation of accelerators operates.

For Cornell students and the local entrepreneurial community, the session offers direct access to a practitioner who has evaluated thousands of early-stage pitches.

The Cornell Chronicle lists Oct. 28 as the date of the event on campus. Details on time, venue and registration have not yet been released publicly.

The event signals Cornell's continued effort to connect its students with leading figures in technology and venture capital. For attendees, the takeaway may extend beyond anecdotes: Graham's investment framework has informed how Y Combinator alumni companies raise capital and scale.