I'm a Canadian startup founder. Y Combinator's initial decision to shut out Canadian startups was totally justifiable.

Source: Business Insider

Hassan Ismail cofounded Yellowcake in the US after navigating tight Canadian regulations with his first startup, West Tek Defense. Hassan IsmailHassan Ismail cofounded a defense tech startup in Canada, but found its regulations and risk-adverse investors challenging. He said Y Combinator's initial decision to not invest in Canadian startups was justifiable, though he understands their reversal.