Startups.RIP

Startups.RIP is a curated, searchable archive of Y Combinator startups that have shut down or been acquired. It collects detailed profiles for over 1,700 companies, providing a clear record of their original ideas, business models, and ultimate fates. The site organizes startups by their YC batch and industry, making it easy to explore patterns and specific case studies. For each company, you get a snapshot of what it was, when it ran, and whether it was acquired or became inactive.

The site works by compiling publicly available data into a single, filterable interface. You can browse by batch year, from the earliest S05 group to the latest W24, or filter by sectors like Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, or SaaS. Each profile includes the startup's tagline and a summary of its purpose. The value is in the aggregation—turning scattered information about dead companies into a structured learning resource. It stands out by focusing exclusively on YC's portfolio, offering a concentrated look at Silicon Valley's trial-and-error process.

This tool is most useful for new founders who want to avoid repeating history. By studying why a particular edtech or marketplace startup failed, they can spot common pitfalls. Investors and analysts can use it to assess sector risks and the longevity of certain business models. It's essentially a library of cautionary tales and potential inspiration, where a 'dead' startup's idea might find new life in a different execution.