Questions founders actually ask.

We're built to accelerate brands, and we're more flexible than most programmes. In practice that means we may pitch you to partnered angel networks, private equity, venture capital, financial institutions, high-net-worth individuals and other sources of capital or advice.

Unlike traditional accelerators, we don't churn dozens of startups every three months looking for one winner. We work with brands as long-term partners, providing varying levels of resource to genuinely ride with them.

We're also open to compensation beyond equity — joint ventures, affiliate relationships, consulting engagements and more. And rather than a physical incubator, we help brands remotely and in person where useful, which keeps the focus on operations, fundraising and marketing instead of desk space.

We fund and accelerate across many verticals, but typically focus on web-based services, products and platforms. Cash-intensive brands — physical products needing R&D, prototyping, manufacturing and inventory storage — make us considerably more selective.

Every deal is different, and sharing equity isn't always required. But as entrepreneurs and investors ourselves, we believe proper incentive encourages a long-term relationship and a strong mutual drive for success. A joint venture or paid consulting arrangement can work as an alternative. Stock often provides the best motivation for our team to deliver the advising, introductions, strategy and fundraising that actually matter.

Seed through Series D and above. We can put your deal in front of angel investors, private equity brands, venture capitalists, institutions and high-net-worth individuals with access to capital ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions collectively.

No. We accelerate entrepreneurs and brands around the world — money and advice travel. That said, our investor and accelerator network is strongest along the US west coast, with meaningful central and east coast presence.

Yes. Many angel investors and institutions we syndicate with want to see a full team, but we're entrepreneurs too — we know an idea often starts with one person and grows from there.

A strong team still matters, because you need the bandwidth to implement what our investors and advisors recommend.

No. Often the biggest opportunities for investors come from getting in early and helping pivot and position the brand from the start. Equity is also more cost-effective early — riskier, but an advantage for both sides.

Any brand, anywhere. We like early-stage companies, but securing investment from our syndication network is harder if you're pre-revenue or have years of R&D ahead before launch. Our primary focus is US brands — though they may target global customers — as this is home, and where we and our investors are most protected legally.

The 2030 Ventures founding team first, and potentially members of our board of advisors if interest is strong.

We look at how disruptive the opportunity is, whether it aligns with our investor network, and whether the goals and plan seem realistic. Three things carry the most weight:

No hard cut-offs — we accept submissions year round. Business never stops, we don't want false barriers to deal flow, and because we deliver much of our support virtually we aren't bound by the cohort cycles that physical incubators are.

No. We receive many opportunities, and so do the investors who participate with us. Your best route is a warm referral from us after we've reviewed your deal and can make an informed pitch on your behalf.

Of course. Not every brand is a fit for us or anyone else, and we'd recommend researching us before applying. Whatever your industry, sales or location, we're open to reviewing your opportunity and telling you honestly whether our syndication network might put resources or capital behind it. It's in your interest to see what's out there — we just hope you give us the chance to participate.

Yes. Even where we don't invest, we may refer your opportunity to other investors and offer guidance. We also work with startups on a consulting basis — fundraising, deal packaging, pitch deck and PPM design, business plan writing and more. In some cases there's a joint venture or affiliate relationship worth exploring instead.

Yes. Even if you aren't initially accepted, we'll provide high-level feedback and recommendations. Some things are fixable quickly by working with our technical and marketing arm, Emerging Media Partners.

Yes — we'd like to keep up with your progress. The best way to improve your odds is to act on the feedback from your last application. Working with our advisors on a consulting basis can also sharpen your branding, messaging, packaging and positioning so you align better with our investment and syndication network.