Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 1,218 AI responses · Shares cover the last 30 days · See how Parse measures this
Startup Fundraising Advisory Platforms
Parse
https://parse.gl
Y Combinator continues to dominate AI-generated advice on startup fundraising, increasing its mention share between November 2025 and March 2026. Across the board, responses are shifting from citing general financial platforms to an increasing focus on major accelerators and tactical tools for specific tasks, such as using for interviews.
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominant brand cited for applications, legal documents, and accelerator comparisons. | 36% | |
| 2 | Cited for valuation data, though its dominance in SAFE cap discussions has decreased. | 16% | |
| 3 | 9% | ||
| 4 | 8% | ||
| 5 | Emerged in 2026 as a new recommendation for conducting YC interviews. | 6% | |
| 6 | Cited for detailed guides on SAFE note valuation caps and related terms. | 5% | |
| 7 | Gaining prominence as a platform for founders to find angel investors. | 5% | |
| 8 | 5% | ||
| 9 | 4% | ||
| 10 | 4% | ||
| 11 | 4% | ||
| 12 | 4% | ||
| 13 | 4% | ||
| 14 | 4% | ||
| 15 | 4% | ||
| 16 | 4% | ||
| 17 | 3% | ||
| 18 | 3% | ||
| 19 | Referenced in discussions comparing SAFEs and convertible notes for investor protections. | 3% | |
| 20 | 3% | ||
| 21 | 3% | ||
| 22 | 3% | ||
| 23 | 3% | ||
| 24 | 2% | ||
| 25 | 2% |
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
Sources AI cited
carta.com is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 38% of analyzed answers.
Expanded from accelerator advice to become a top citation for SAFE and Series A terms in 2026.
Citations dropped from 53% in Nov 2025 to 16% by Mar 2026 for this topic.
Began appearing in January 2026 as a tactical recommendation for conducting YC interviews.
Was a top-cited source in late 2025 but disappeared from top mentions by early 2026.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45% | 55% | ||
| 13% | 8% | ||
| 5% | 2% | ||
| 0% | 6% | ||
| 3% | 0% |
Across 1,218 AI responses, Y Combinator is mentioned most, named in 36% of them, followed by Carta (16%) and Alphabet (9%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 1,218 AI responses to this market's buyer questions over the last 30 days. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is re-measured on the same 30-day window.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
AI models consistently report the market standard as a "1x non-participating" liquidation preference and a balanced board of 3 or 5 members. While early responses cited a mix of sources, Y Combinator has become an increasingly common authority cited for defining "clean" term sheets in 2026 responses.
Brands mentioned
AI models consistently report the market standard as a "1x non-participating" liquidation preference and a balanced board of 3 or 5 members. While early responses cited a mix of sources, Y Combinator has become an increasingly common authority cited for defining "clean" term sheets in 2026 responses.
AI assistants consistently describe Techstars' model as an intense, mentor-driven program focused on network access and culminating in a Demo Day. is frequently used as a benchmark for comparison, and the evaluation of whether the equity is "worth it" remains a consistent "it depends" based on the founder's stage and needs.
Brands mentioned
What is the "Techstars" mentorship model really like? Is it worth the 6% equity?
AI assistants consistently describe Techstars' model as an intense, mentor-driven program focused on network access and culminating in a Demo Day.
Y Combinator is frequently used as a benchmark for comparison, and the evaluation of whether the equity is "worth it" remains a consistent "it depends" based on the founder's stage and needs.