Tech-for-equity. For ideas aligned with our standards.
We invest in the form of heavy-weight engineering execution, not checks. For founders with a sharp vision who value us primarily for the engineering judgment we bring — we're open to a conversation.
How this model works.
Strategic Investor is our most unconventional model, and the least frequently run. Each year, we limit the number of active engagements in this category — usually no more than one or two additions.
The mechanics are simple on the surface: instead of writing you a check, we bring engineering, architecture, and technical judgment to build your product. In return, we receive an equity stake negotiated per case.
This isn't 'discounted services in exchange for equity'. The equity stake we receive reflects the same value as a technology partner with skin in the game.
What makes us interested.
A domain that interests us. Areas include: AI/ML applications with concrete business use cases, infrastructure & developer tools, vertical SaaS with interesting data or workflow complexity, B2B fintech or adjacent.
A founder who's strong in their domain. You understand your business with a depth that's hard to replicate. You've been in the industry, or you've done serious customer-discovery work.
A sharp business hypothesis. You don't need full traction. But you need a specific understanding of who your customer is, what problem you're solving, and why your solution is different.
Substantive engineering needs. This model only makes sense if your product requires serious engineering judgment.
What will make us not proceed.
Founders who are hard to push back on. Equity partnership isn't a service relationship — we'll push back a lot technically, strategically, and sometimes on product.
Businesses with unclear economics. We won't take equity in a business model without a sensible path to revenue.
Founders whose primary relationship is transactional. If in the initial conversation it feels like you're evaluating us based on 'how much can I get for the least cost' — that signal is usually enough.
How we decide.
1. First Conversation (1 conversation, 60-90 min) — Pitch your idea. We usually know within the following week whether there's potential fit to continue.
2. Deep Dive (2-4 weeks) — We study your domain more deeply. You're allowed and encouraged to speak with our previous clients or partners.
3. Term & Decision (2-3 weeks) — Negotiate equity stake, commitment level, milestones, exit clauses. Legal formalization typically takes 2-4 additional weeks.
Total from first contact to formal partnership: typically 8-12 weeks. That's also intentional. Multi-year commitments made in haste usually don't last.
FAQ
Questions before we start.
How much equity stake do you typically take?
Negotiated per case, depending on technical complexity, commitment duration, and the value we bring. We don't have a default number — we prefer an honest conversation about value and expectations from both sides before discussing numbers.
Can you become a formal co-founder?
Yes, in some cases. We more often come in as a holding entity with an equity stake, but if there's a strong strategic reason to come in as co-founder (e.g., for fundraising narrative or certain legal structures), that can be discussed.
How long is the selection process?
Typically 8-12 weeks from first contact to formal partnership. We know that's long — it's also intentional. Multi-year commitments made in haste usually don't last.
If you've read this far and still feel like a fit—
Your pitch doesn't need to be polished. What matters: tell us about your business, why you're the one doing this, and why you think we might be the right partner. We respond to all inquiries in this category personally, typically within 1 business week.