French Engineer Raises $12M Fund for Y Combinator Startups, Proving YouTube to Venture Capital is Possible

French Engineer-Turned-Investor Raises $12M Fund for Y Combinator Startups Gabriel Jarrosson, a French engineer-turned-YouTuber-turned-investor, has successfully raised a $12 million fund for startups that have graduated from the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator program. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Lobster Capital, Jarrosson's venture capital firm, which was founded in 2020. Jarrosson's investment strategy is centered around the idea that YC companies have a higher probability of success due to their rigorous selection process and track record of producing billion-dollar companies. According to recent SEC filings, Lobster Capital has already deployed $36 million into startups, mostly YC alumni, since its inception in 2020. "I believe that YC's track record speaks for itself," Jarrosson said in an interview. "Their ability to identify and nurture successful startups is unparalleled, and I'm confident that our fund will yield strong returns by focusing on these companies." Jarrosson's journey began in 2017 when he launched a YouTube channel to share his investment journey with a French-speaking audience. The channel grew into one of Europe's largest angel syndicates, and its success paved the way for Lobster Capital. The $12 million fund was raised above its initial target of $8 million, demonstrating strong interest from investors in Jarrosson's unique approach. "We're thrilled to have exceeded our fundraising goal," said Jarrosson. "This will enable us to make even more strategic investments in YC companies and help them scale." Y Combinator has been a driving force behind the success of many startups, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Reddit. The accelerator program's rigorous selection process and mentorship model have contributed to its impressive track record. "Lobster Capital's focus on YC companies is a testament to the program's effectiveness," said Geoff Ralston, President of Y Combinator. "We're proud to see our alumni being supported by investors who share our vision for entrepreneurship." The success of Lobster Capital and Jarrosson's investment strategy has implications for the venture capital industry as a whole. By focusing on a specific subset of startups, Jarrosson is demonstrating that data-driven investing can be a winning approach. As Lobster Capital looks to deploy its $12 million fund, it will be interesting to see which YC companies benefit from Jarrosson's investment. With a larger second fund already in the works, Jarrosson is poised to continue his success and make a significant impact on the startup ecosystem. In related news, SEC filings indicate that Lobster Capital has already made several investments in YC companies, including [Company Name], which received $1 million in funding from the firm. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*