Up to 250k checks to accelerate your journey.
We back founders with vision and grit. Our checks aren't just capital— they're belief in your potential to build something extraordinary.
We (mostly) invest in emerging tech and industries.
If you're building something in any of these domains, pull up to our campus. And hey, if you're not building in any of these domains, don't hesitate to share what you're up to.
AR/VR + Gaming
Hardware
AI/ML
Web3
Dev/Tools
Consumer
You also get access to the Founders, Inc Campus.
A dedicated seat next to some of the most prolific builders in SF, daily lunches, office hours and talks with our partners and founders. In short, we try to minimize the friction between you and building something great.
Still have questions? Let's break it down.
Are you a VC?
The only similarity between a VC and us is that we both write checks. But the similarities stop there. We provide a home for founders to build: a desk, a community, media resources, lunch everyday, event space, office hours, and so much more. We want to have deep relationships with our founders, not transactional ones.
So… like an accelerator?
Kinda but one major difference is that accelerators are time-bound.
They last for a few months and then they’re over. Our goal is to provide a long term home to build that provides many of the same resources as an accelerator. Many founders get accepted to Founders, Inc. and then go on to other accelerators like YC. After those programs are finished, they return to Founders, Inc. to continue building. They continue this journey till they have physically outgrown the space, but continue to come back periodically for community, events and founder off-sites.
Equity?
3-5%. We keep our equity ask minimal because we know this journey is yours to own.
What all do I get?
Funding, of course. But this is often the least important part of what founders get with us. Yes, funding is super helpful, but it’s all the other resources that truly accelerate our founders.
This includes things like: an assigned desk, media recording resources, a hardware lab, a gym, 1:1 office hours, fundraising support, a community of builders around you, exclusive events, and more.
Am I a good fit?
Our founders often show all of these traits. If you feel like this sounds like someone like you, you're a good fit.
Prolific at building
Technical and curious
Chasing something in emerging tech
Founder x market fit
A unique point of view
Ambition and drive
A generous attitude
When should I apply?
When you’ve got a strong point of view on what you’re building. This means:
You’ve shown you have what it takes to build something big.
You have previously built some cool projects & got some traction.
There’s a clear plan for what you’ll do with the capital you raise.
You’re really deep in your problem space.
You’ve made moves to build motion (e.g. gone viral, have a crazy waitlist, have paying customers, etc.).
Ok, I'm ready. Do I send over my deck?
Um, no. We don’t do decks or pitches. At all.
Just apply and if we like your application, we'll invite you to build at our lab for a week or two. Based on that, we decide whether to invest in you.
I don't think I'm ready for a check yet.
If you’re not quite there yet, we encourage you to join one of our programs.
Our programs are designed to get you from -1 to 0. They usually are 4 to 6 weeks where you lock in and create as much momentum alongside a cohort of other builders in the same spot. We provide office hours and other help and hold you accountable each week. By the time you’re done, you’ll hopefully be ready for a check!
Want to build with us?
Tell us what you're building for an opportunity to be invited to campus, get your first check, and access to our community of top founders. We'll get back to you within two weeks.