Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan says his intensive use of AI agents costs him between $100,000 and $200,000 a year in tokens. He relies on them for coding, research and a wide range of everyday tasks.
Tan describes giving his agents access to extensive personal information, including email, files, notes and therapy notes spanning two decades. He sees them as assistants that can anticipate needs and offer help with day-to-day decisions.
AI tools at work and at home
He has developed 23 skills for Claude Code and says Y Combinator is using an internal agent called Stray Light to support its operations. The system combines a distinct personality with organizational context, including information related to founders, applicants and correspondence.
Tan expects personal AI agents to become more common, but says their costs need to fall for wider access. He also favors systems that people can control and customize, rather than relying entirely on tools governed by large technology companies.
If prices decline and users retain meaningful control, personal agents could become a more accessible part of everyday work and life.
