BECOME
A
FOUNDER

A Founder-in-Residence (FIR) is a selected entrepreneur who joins the studio to develop and lead a startup idea through our structured program.

You can apply with or without a startup idea. If you apply with an idea, you're considered a Founder-in-Residence (FIR). If not, you'll be considered an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), and we may match you with an internal idea.

An Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) is a selected founder who joins the studio without a specific idea. They are matched with one of the studio’s validated ideas to lead as a founder.

We focus on tech-oriented, AI-enabled ideas that can be prototyped and validated within 6 months.

Idea Crafters provides access to a product team, mentorship, legal support, investor connections, and operational guidance.

At spin-off (pre-seed), FIRs or EIRs receive 55–60% equity (subject to vesting), while the studio retains 35–40%. An optional 5–10% is reserved for a team option pool.

FIRs or EIRs equity vests over 24 months with a 6-month cliff. Full acceleration happens at the Seed round or after 24 months, whichever comes first.

The spin-off happens if the project secures a pre-seed investment after Demo Day, around month 6.

The Studio owns the IP during the studio phase. Upon spin-off, it is assigned to the newly incorporated startup.

If you leave before Demo Day, you forfeit all equity. No shares vest until the 6-month cliff is reached.

Yes, you are expected to be fully committed to the project during and after the studio phase.

No salary is provided during the program. However, the studio may help structure pre-seed deals to include modest founder compensation.

Once the Seed round closes, the founder's shares are fully vested and the startup continues independently.

Yes, but they must go through the same selection process and commit equally to the project.

Yes. 5–10% of equity is usually set aside as an Employee Stock Option Pool (ESOP) for future team members.

You can apply through the 'Become a Founder' page by filling out our interest form. We review applicants during the idea sourcing period.