FAQs
What makes FOunders embassy different?
Diversity and inclusion are at our core. Many organizations consider helping international and immigrant entrepreneurs, but it comes secondary to their primary goal: to see substantial returns. We believe that radical inclusiveness will drive far greater outcomes than ever before and it starts with bringing people together from diverse backgrounds to solve the world's most consequential problems.
Additionally, we are a zero-equity tuition-based accelerator - companies that join our programs do not give away equity in exchange for funding. We accept companies who aren't looking for another $100K to cover overhead costs, we help startups who are ready for $2M, $5M, or $10M rounds.
What Founders Embassy is *not*?
Founders Embassy is *not* an incubator. We do not house companies for months at a time.
It is *not* an investment fund - we have no intention to take any part of a startup's equity in exchange for funding. We do, however, help these founders connect to and communicate effectively with Silicon Valley investors.
Who should apply for the Founders Embassy Acceleration Program?
Post-Seed tech-enabled startups with a team, a Minimum Valuable Product, and some traction are the best candidates for the program.
A startup should already have some funding raised in their home country and be preparing to raise a VC round of funding at the moment of applying for the program.
To qualify for the program, it is not required for the startup to be based outside of the U.S. However, if the company is based in the U.S., we do require for one of the founders to be either an international citizen or an immigrant living in the U.S.
Does Founders Embassy focus on helping founders from specific countries?
No. All international founders are welcome at Founders Embassy. As long as founders are international citizens or immigrants living in the U.S, it doesn't matter what country they are from originally.
Does Founders Embassy focus on specific verticals or industries?
No. Founders Embassy is industry-agnostic.
Can founders participate in the Founders Embassy Acceleration Program remotely?
No. We do not allow remote participation as we believe it cannot replace the unique value of in-person interaction during the program. Attendance of all sessions is mandatory.
How does the Founders Embassy Program work?
Founders Embassy brings small classes of founders from all over the world to stay under the same roof in the heart of San Francisco, learning from one another while receiving coaching from Silicon Valley thought leaders.
Participation in Founders Embassy Acceleration Program is by invitation only and founders are required to apply.
Founders Embassy does *not* take equity and does not invest directly into the participating companies; however, it does facilitate introductions to Silicon Valley's investor community and help founders prepare for such meetings.
There is no fee to apply for the program, though if you are selected to participate in the program, there is an associated all-inclusive program fee which includes tuition, accommodation, meals, and other program-related activities during the two weeks.
Founders Embassy is industry-agnostic and *not* focused on any sector or vertical in particular. Any company that fits the criteria below is welcome to apply!
All applications are reviewed by a selection committee determining whether or not they are a good fit for the program.
why should founders apply?
Silicon Valley remains the epicenter of technological innovation worldwide and there is a mindset around startup acceleration that is unparalleled in other ecosystems. More than 1/3rd of global value creation in exits is still captured right here in Silicon Valley.* We believe that there should be tangible outcome from acceleration programs so ultimately, these entrepreneurs will leave with four things:
An individualized blueprint to guide company growth
A genuine understanding of the "Silicon Valley" startup mindset and ecosystem
Coaches and mentors to break down doors in Silicon Valley and provide support
A network of likeminded entrepreneurs, Silicon Valley thought leaders and investors, and an open invitation to a "home away from home" upon return to San Francisco as a member of Founders Embassy