The biggest startup opportunities right now, according to YC

Every great startup starts with a huge, unsolved problem.

Too many founders build solutions searching for a problem rather than tackling issues that already exist. Investors, especially at early stages, aren’t just looking for traction. They want big ideas with world-changing potential.

Y Combinator recently published its latest Requests for Startups (RFS), a list of startup ideas and problem spaces that are now ripe for innovation. If you’re looking for what to build next, here are some of the biggest opportunities waiting for founders to take action.

1. AI that’s more private & useful

AI applications are advancing rapidly, but users need better privacy controls, smarter integrations, and AI tools that work seamlessly in daily life.

💡 Startup ideas:

• A secure AI app store: a privacy-first app marketplace where users control what data AI can access.
• AI personal staff: AI-powered services that replace expensive human experts (tax accountants, personal trainers, legal advisors).
• Vertical AI agents: AI assistants tailored to specific industries (tax, legal, healthcare, customer support).

📈Investors are backing AI-first startups, but differentiation is key. Founders who build AI products that are more private, reliable, and deeply integrated into workflows will stand out.

2. AI-powered infrastructure & automation

The rapid expansion of AI requires faster, cheaper data centers, optimized computing infrastructure, and better automation.

💡 Startup ideas:

• Datacenters 2.0: faster, cheaper, and more efficient AI data centers using new cooling, energy, and automation techniques.
• Inference AI infrastructure: new ways to reduce the massive compute costs of running AI models at scale.
• AI coding agents for hardware: AI-generated low-level code optimized for custom silicon and alternative hardware.

📈 AI infrastructure startups are in high demand. Investors are actively funding companies that reduce costs and inefficiencies in compute, storage, and optimization.

3. The future of software development

AI is reshaping how software is built, tested, and deployed, making it possible for small teams to produce enterprise-level applications.

💡 Startup ideas:

• AI developer tools: platforms that allow engineers to manage AI agents writing and deploying code.
• Automated compliance & audit tools: AI-driven platforms that continuously review security, legal, and regulatory compliance for companies.
• AI for business process automation: AI-powered tools that replace manual office workflows and legacy business processes.

📈 Investors are looking for founders building AI-native dev tools and business automation platforms that make engineering and compliance significantly faster and cheaper.

4. Fixing broken systems (finance, compliance, and more)

The finance, legal, and compliance industries are stuck in outdated workflows, creating huge inefficiencies and rising costs.

💡 Startup ideas:

• Docusign 2.0: AI-powered document signing and automation tools that eliminate manual paperwork.
• AI-driven compliance & audit: LLM-powered systems that automate financial, legal, and regulatory reviews.
• B2A (business-to-agent) software: services built specifically for AI agents to interact with businesses (e.g., payments, contracts, transactions).

📈Regulatory tech and fintech continue to attract funding. Founders who can reduce compliance burdens or automate financial operations will have strong investor interest.

5. The next wave of open source AI

The AI ecosystem is dominated by a few large players, but there’s massive opportunity for commercial open-source AI companies.

💡 Startup ideas:

• AI commercial open source software (AICOSS): open-source AI models supported by commercial tools, hosting, and services.
• DevTools for AI agents: APIs, frameworks, and platforms to build and deploy AI-powered workflows more easily.
• Secure & private AI models: open-source alternatives to proprietary AI models, optimized for security and privacy.

📈 Open-source AI creates huge opportunities, especially for companies that offer enterprise-friendly commercial services on top of open AI models.

Final takeaway: the best startups solve the biggest problems

If you’re starting a company, ask yourself: Is this a must-have solution, or just a nice-to-have product?

The biggest opportunities exist in huge, broken markets where innovation can fundamentally change how things work.

🔎 Ready to find qualified investors who back big ideas? Capwave AI connects founders with investors who specialize in your industry and stage. Sign up today and start building the future.