Thinking about applying to Y Combinator? Hear it straight from founders who’ve been through it.
As part of Poland Tech Week 2026, Smok Ventures is hosting an event with founders of Authologic, Alokai, Golf and Quickchat, all of whom went through YC. They’ll share an honest look at the whole journey: how they approached the application and interview, what the batch was actually like, what value they got out of it, and whether it was worth it for their company.
What to expect:
Panel discussion with ex-YC founders
Open Q&A, so bring your questions
Networking with fellow founders and the Smok Ventures team
Food and drinks provided
Who it’s for: startup founders considering applying to YC, or anyone curious what the world’s most prestigious accelerator looks like from the inside.
About the host: Smok Ventures is the #1 CEE-based fund by number of investments in YC companies with CEE founders, having backed 8 of them so far. We know the YC path well, and we’re here to help more founders from the region take it.
Spots are limited. Register to secure yours.
See the full Poland Tech Week calendar.
Do you feel like there’s a whole universe of interesting stories brewing inside you, but you can’t quite find the right angle to share them? Or maybe you avoid networking events because you’re not sure what makes you interesting or what you could possibly talk about? Welcome! This event is for you. Stories are one of the most human ways to connect. You don’t need an impressive job title, a perfectly polished elevator pitch, or a list of achievements to be interesting. Sometimes, all you need is a story - one that changed you, taught you something, or made you see the world differently. At this event, Iryna Oleksiuk, Public Speaking Trainer and Designer of Educational Experiences, will help you explore how to find the right angle for your own stories. After a short introduction, we’ll move into small groups of three, where you’ll get to practice telling your own stories, listen to others, and discover how much a simple conversation can reveal. Love stories? Come share yours. Think you might learn to love them? Even better. Come practice. Before you arrive, take a little time to think about what’s been living inside you lately. What experiences have shaped you? What moments changed your perspective? What do you wish people knew about you - beyond your job title? You don’t need to have all the answers or a story ready to perform. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to explore. This is a journey of discovery - for you, and for the people who get to hear your story. When & Where 📅 20 October 2026 🕕 18:00-20:00 ❗️Please arrive on time so you can get the most out of the experience. If your plans change, kindly cancel your registration so someone else can take your spot. Places are very limited, and every spot matters. 📍 Imaguru Startup HUB 🗣 Language: English Hosts This event is organized by local ambassadors of Projector Global Community - a community founded by Ukrainians that now brings together people from different countries and professional backgrounds. Iryna O