How This Works

We accept applications from early stage tech startups around the globe.  Startup Labs then hosts a local event providing 5 teams with seed capital and 22 days to build their startup and validate their idea and team in front of mentors and investors.

Overview:

We look for 5 innovative teams in each city we run and event in and give them $50,000 USD (or local equivalent).  Those teams then have three weeks to build and implement feedback that is given to them by mentors and investors.

The way we invest is different.  Startup Labs contributes one third of the capital to all five teams, institutional investors contribute one third of the capital and local angels contribute the remaining one third of the capital needed.  We believe it takes a village to support a startup and having buy-in from these three groups of investors means teams will have access to them and will have an easier time raising capital going forward with an existing working relationship.  When teams raise future rounds, Startup Labs will contribute a kicker for 20% of the round.  We stand behind the teams we are creating and don’t expect future investors to risk their capital alone.  Our goal is to roll this out in many markets, much like we did with Startup Weekend events.

Process for Teams:

  • Apply to attend a Startup Labs event.  We accept applications globally for each city.  For most teams visas will not be a problem since it’s less than 30 days.
  • Once you’ve been accepted prepare a 5 minute demo of your startup that you’ll show on Friday night.
  • Mentors give you feedback on your startup and direction as well as goals they want to see you hit at the end of 22 days.
  • Build, build, build we give you access to expert mentors as well as development resources to launch on platforms you might not have experience working on
  • Demo on that last day.  Teams are encouraged to focus on generating users and revenue (even tiny amounts).
  • The goal is to validate your startup and demonstrate your ability to execute quickly under a lot of pressure.

Process for Investors:

  • If you’re interested in partnering with Startup Labs to invest in teams locally please contact us.  In each city we invest one third of the capital ourselves, one third from institutional investors and one third from angels.  This approach results in more support for teams and less risk for investors.

Startup Labs Provides:

  • Standardized term sheet and a single location to incorporate all teams.
  • Investors with data on teams coming out of all cities
  • One third of the seed funding to teams.
  • A 20% match on future rounds that teams raise from investors.
  • Local organizers (usually angels or VCs)
  • Mentorship to teams
  • Technical support (graphic design, mobile app development etc)
  • A venue in many cases to run the program
  • Standardized application for teams to apply.
  • Product advice & feedback
  • Access to strategic partners
  • Access to mentors in your area
  • Access to top tier accelerators, angels and VC’s
  • Network to launch your product in other countries
  • Network to make investments in other countries