Y Combinator has released a new tool called Locus Founder that turns a simple text message into a functional business. Users send a business idea via iMessage, SMS, or Telegram, and an AI system takes over—building, running, and settling payments in USDC.
How it works
The service is straightforward. A user texts an idea—anything from a local delivery service to a subscription box—and the AI handles the rest. It builds a prototype, manages day-to-day operations, and processes payments using the stablecoin USDC. No coding or business planning required.
AI-powered entrepreneurship
Locus Founder is part of a broader push by Y Combinator to back AI-first startups. The accelerator has funded dozens of companies that use large language models to automate tasks, but this one goes a step further: it replaces the need for a founder entirely during the early stages. The AI acts as both developer and operator.
USDC as default currency
All transactions run through USDC, a cryptocurrency designed to hold a steady value relative to the US dollar. That choice likely reflects the AI's ability to handle cross-border payments without traditional banking infrastructure. The facts don't specify whether users can withdraw to a bank account or must stay in crypto.
Y Combinator didn't provide details on launch date, pricing, or how many users are testing the service. What's clear is that Locus Founder is betting that a text message is all it takes to start a company.
