Build a startup from scratch in our Venture Studio
We're investing in idea-stage founders looking to solve global problems using technology.
Entrepreneurs, tell us about your ideaHow our Venture Studio works
Work with us on the future of...
We've identified a few focus areas we're prioritising across our sectors.
Beauty
Retail
AI & Big data
Home & Hygiene
Travel
Put an idea forward
If you're just starting something or even if it’s just a passing thought, we want to hear about it.
See our current opportunities
We're working on multiple concepts that solve big problems for our corporate partners, and are looking for founders to run them.
In partnership with the world's most influential companies
The businesses we build in our Venture Studio are born out of focus areas identified with our corporate partners.
While you build the business, you'll have access to anything from distribution to data, relationships, credibility and capital. We have 11 Corporate Partners across 4 locations globally.
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Your dedicated team of experts
Our team of 100+ mentors and operators are individuals with deep industry, investment, or entrepreneurship experience, here to help you get to market while your team grows.
Helping you succeed is our #1 objective
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Nick Torday, CEO
"Being part of the Founders Factory program has been central to our growth and we’ve been supported by great people. It’s been an incredibly positive experience and we absolutely recognise we got to where we are because we’ve had a great group around us to challenge us to think bigger and shape our business. We would recommend wholeheartedly"
Nick and Markus built their business within our Venture Studio, with support from our Accelerator when they were ready to scale.
You may be wondering…
When is the right time to apply?
We're looking for ambitious entrepreneurs who want to use technology to make a big impact. If you have an idea but haven't yet built the product or MVP, now's the right time.
If you don't have an existing idea, take a look at our careers page to run a concept we're already working on.
What are the terms?
We invest 150k-250k in capital combined with 12 months of bespoke support for 25% equity*
*Our program and offering differs in London, Paris, New York and Johannesburg
Does Founders Factory only build startups in certain sectors?
We build startups across Beauty, FinTech, Health, Home, Media, Retail, Travel & Ai & Big Data.
Am I employed by Founders Factory?
Until the business is incorporated, we'll give you an employment contract with Founders Factory.
What salary can I draw?
On average our founders pay themselves no more than 50k. Your own salary is part of the budget and subsequent funding.
What support should I expect?
Each new venture will have a board comprising of senior members of the Founders Factory operations team (and potentially external observers). The board has a dual responsibility to represent the Founders Factory investment and provide support & advice to the founding team.
You'll also receive hands-on support in strategy, ops, bizdev, product, design, tech, growth, PR, brand, fundraising and talent. We don't charge for our support, but if you need a developer or a designer full time then we have them available to you for extremely friendly rates.
Do your corporates have any rights to my idea or business?
They don't. If a partnership forms with one of our corporate partners, it will be governed by the usual pilot or contract agreements between you and them all of which we can help with.
Is there office space?
Founders Factory will provide office space, co-located with other companies participating in the programme. This includes perks such as catered lunch and a beer fridge. For the full duration of the Studio Program, we can offer up to 4 desks if needed full time and otherwise hot desks are available for your team. Further seats are available at cost or at the discretion of Founders Factory.
Born in our studio
Bower Collective is an e-commerce platform for home and personal care products that makes it easy for people to eliminate plastic waste and live a more sustainable life.
BRB is a new way to travel, go somewhere new in Europe every 4 months with flights and hotels sorted. Pay monthly and take the hassle out of budgeting for your getaways.
We are combining the best of audio storytelling with the richness of the web, creating a next-generation platform for rich audio content.
Poplar makes creating Augmented Reality content simple. They activate a community of over 600 AR creators to produce awesome experiences on behalf of brands. Their clients include Universal Music, Sony Music, Warner Music, King, Wargaming, Warner Bros, Fox, L’Oréal, Disney and RB, among others.
Put yourself forward
If you're just starting something or even if it’s just a passing thought, we want to hear about it.
See our current opportunities
We're working on multiple concepts that solve big problems for our corporate partners, and are looking for founders to run them.