Questions
Questions
Questions
Questions
Program Basics
01
What is the AI2 Incubator?
Programming at Al House runs on a rolling basis, shaped by founders, technologists, and the interests of our community. Recent and upcoming topics include:
02
What happens during incubation?
You’ll work closely with our team of operators, researchers, and venture partners. We help with AI architecture and model development, UX/UI design, product strategy, customer pilots, go-to-market, hiring, storytelling, and fundraising. Founders also gain access to our AI House in Seattle, with events and resident experts.
03
Do I need to move to Seattle?
No. We fully support remote incubation. Many founders stay in their home cities. That said, you’re welcome to join us at AI House in Seattle, one of the country’s most active applied AI hubs.
04
When can I apply?
We have rolling admissions. You don’t need to wait for a batch date—apply when you’re ready.
Investment + Terms
01
How much do you invest?
We invest up to $600K on a SAFE with a $10M cap. Early allocations start at $100K for solo founders or $200K for cofounding teams, with the balance topped up to $600K as you hit early traction. For mature teams, the full $600K can be deployed upfront.
02
What does incubation “cost”?
Our incubation economics are 7% in common stock—the same class you and your cofounders hold. This is different from most founder programs, which take only preferred shares.
03
What can I use the funding for?
Whatever your company needs: compute, early hires, infrastructure, product development, customer pilots, or operations. We also provide up to $1M+ in non-dilutive cloud credits.
04
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
05
What happens If I raised at a higher valuation than your SAFE cap?
Our SAFE is separate from your prior financing and will convert at your next financing. We keep terms founder-friendly to align with future raises
06
Can I raise more money alongside your initial investment?
Yes. Our $600K SAFE is designed to be founder-friendly and easy to syndicate alongside other investors. Many of our companies raise additional angel or micro-VC capital at pre-seed, and we help make introductions. Our terms (SAFE at a $10M cap + common stock) make it straightforward for others to join in, either at the same round or at a later seed
07
What happens if my company shuts down? Do I owe anything?
No. You don’t owe us anything if your company doesn’t work out. Like you, we only win if the company succeeds.
08
How do your terms compare to accelerators and venture studios?
Accelerators often take preferred shares and optimize for volume (hundreds of startups per year). Venture labs or startup studios typically demand 30–50% of your company plus control rights. Our structure at AI2 Incubator is founder-aligned: 7% common stock (same as you) plus up to $600K SAFE at a $10M cap.
09
But I’m losing ~10% of my company!
Not exactly. A better way to think about it is that the equity you give up represents far more than a single partnership—it unlocks a system of resources designed to maximize your odds of success.
You’re gaining a partner with a deep vested interest in your success, hands-on support in company-building, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising; deep applied AI expertise from researchers and technical leaders who have taken frontier research into production; up to $600K of founder-friendly capital; and as much as $1M in free, non-dilutive cloud credits. You’re also joining a community—AI House, resident experts, alumni founders, and an active network of investors and enterprise partners—all aligned to help you find customers, scale, and raise your next round. In other words, that equity isn’t just dilution, it’s alignment, resources, and a platform built to give you the best shot at building a durable, high-impact AI company.
10
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
During Incubation
01
What kind of mentorship do you provide?
Founders work directly with our core partners, venture partners, and resident experts. You’ll get technical reviews, applied AI benchmarking, business model and GTM coaching, investor prep, and access to experienced operators.
02
How much time do I need to commit?
Founders should plan on being deeply engaged, especially in the first year. We don’t run short, cohort-style bootcamps—our model is about long-term, hands-on work.
03
What if I’m a student or have a job?
Yes, you can apply. But once accepted, you’ll need to be focused full time on your company. Many students and working professionals transition to full-time during incubation.
04
What if I’m a professor?
This is the one exception to our full-time expectation. We still ask that you dedicate significant time to your startup, but we recognize the unique value of a university appointment—including access to funding, students, and research support. We work with you to balance both commitments while building your company.
05
Do you help with immigration or visas?
Yes. Through our network of legal and ops providers, we can help address immigration needs.
06
How much time will I spend with AI2 Incubator partners?
Early on, expect to engage in deep working sessions—technical reviews, GTM strategy, pitch prep. As you mature, the cadence becomes founder-driven. We adapt to your stage, but we’re consistently available when you need us.
07
Do you provide introductions to potential customers or pilot partners?
Yes. We actively connect founders to enterprise buyers, design partners, and early adopters. Many of our companies land their first pilot customers through AI2 Incubator introductions. We also facilitate intros to boutique BDR firms to help you generate additional meetings and expand your pipeline.
08
What kind of founder community will I join?
You’ll join a tight network of technical founders, applied AI entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Unlike high-volume accelerators, you’ll actually know everyone in your cohort. Alumni often return to share hard-won lessons, and our events at AI House keep the community connected.
09
Can my team work part-time from Seattle and part-time remote?
Yes. Many teams work hybrid—splitting time between their home base and Seattle. You’re not required to relocate, but you’re always welcome at AI House for events and in-person collaboration.
After Incubation
01
What happens after the incubation period?
You join our alumni network, with continued access to mentors, technical experts, investors, and community. Alumni often return for guidance, new hires, or introductions.
02
Do you help with seed funding?
Yes. When preparing to raise your seed round, we advise you on how to prepare your data room, refine your pitch, and connect you with our network of VCs and angels.
03
Will the AI2 Incubator publicize our product?
We amplify founder milestones through our community, events, and introductions—but your company’s story is yours to tell.
Program Basics
01
What is the AI2 Incubator?
Programming at Al House runs on a rolling basis, shaped by founders, technologists, and the interests of our community. Recent and upcoming topics include:
02
What happens during incubation?
You’ll work closely with our team of operators, researchers, and venture partners. We help with AI architecture and model development, UX/UI design, product strategy, customer pilots, go-to-market, hiring, storytelling, and fundraising. Founders also gain access to our AI House in Seattle, with events and resident experts.
03
Do I need to move to Seattle?
No. We fully support remote incubation. Many founders stay in their home cities. That said, you’re welcome to join us at AI House in Seattle, one of the country’s most active applied AI hubs.
04
When can I apply?
We have rolling admissions. You don’t need to wait for a batch date—apply when you’re ready.
Investment + Terms
01
How much do you invest?
We invest up to $600K on a SAFE with a $10M cap. Early allocations start at $100K for solo founders or $200K for cofounding teams, with the balance topped up to $600K as you hit early traction. For mature teams, the full $600K can be deployed upfront.
02
What does incubation “cost”?
Our incubation economics are 7% in common stock—the same class you and your cofounders hold. This is different from most founder programs, which take only preferred shares.
03
What can I use the funding for?
Whatever your company needs: compute, early hires, infrastructure, product development, customer pilots, or operations. We also provide up to $1M+ in non-dilutive cloud credits.
04
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
05
What happens If I raised at a higher valuation than your SAFE cap?
Our SAFE is separate from your prior financing and will convert at your next financing. We keep terms founder-friendly to align with future raises
06
Can I raise more money alongside your initial investment?
Yes. Our $600K SAFE is designed to be founder-friendly and easy to syndicate alongside other investors. Many of our companies raise additional angel or micro-VC capital at pre-seed, and we help make introductions. Our terms (SAFE at a $10M cap + common stock) make it straightforward for others to join in, either at the same round or at a later seed
07
What happens if my company shuts down? Do I owe anything?
No. You don’t owe us anything if your company doesn’t work out. Like you, we only win if the company succeeds.
08
How do your terms compare to accelerators and venture studios?
Accelerators often take preferred shares and optimize for volume (hundreds of startups per year). Venture labs or startup studios typically demand 30–50% of your company plus control rights. Our structure at AI2 Incubator is founder-aligned: 7% common stock (same as you) plus up to $600K SAFE at a $10M cap.
09
But I’m losing ~10% of my company!
Not exactly. A better way to think about it is that the equity you give up represents far more than a single partnership—it unlocks a system of resources designed to maximize your odds of success.
You’re gaining a partner with a deep vested interest in your success, hands-on support in company-building, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising; deep applied AI expertise from researchers and technical leaders who have taken frontier research into production; up to $600K of founder-friendly capital; and as much as $1M in free, non-dilutive cloud credits. You’re also joining a community—AI House, resident experts, alumni founders, and an active network of investors and enterprise partners—all aligned to help you find customers, scale, and raise your next round. In other words, that equity isn’t just dilution, it’s alignment, resources, and a platform built to give you the best shot at building a durable, high-impact AI company.
10
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
During Incubation
01
What kind of mentorship do you provide?
Founders work directly with our core partners, venture partners, and resident experts. You’ll get technical reviews, applied AI benchmarking, business model and GTM coaching, investor prep, and access to experienced operators.
02
How much time do I need to commit?
Founders should plan on being deeply engaged, especially in the first year. We don’t run short, cohort-style bootcamps—our model is about long-term, hands-on work.
03
What if I’m a student or have a job?
Yes, you can apply. But once accepted, you’ll need to be focused full time on your company. Many students and working professionals transition to full-time during incubation.
04
What if I’m a professor?
This is the one exception to our full-time expectation. We still ask that you dedicate significant time to your startup, but we recognize the unique value of a university appointment—including access to funding, students, and research support. We work with you to balance both commitments while building your company.
05
Do you help with immigration or visas?
Yes. Through our network of legal and ops providers, we can help address immigration needs.
06
How much time will I spend with AI2 Incubator partners?
Early on, expect to engage in deep working sessions—technical reviews, GTM strategy, pitch prep. As you mature, the cadence becomes founder-driven. We adapt to your stage, but we’re consistently available when you need us.
07
Do you provide introductions to potential customers or pilot partners?
Yes. We actively connect founders to enterprise buyers, design partners, and early adopters. Many of our companies land their first pilot customers through AI2 Incubator introductions. We also facilitate intros to boutique BDR firms to help you generate additional meetings and expand your pipeline.
08
What kind of founder community will I join?
You’ll join a tight network of technical founders, applied AI entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Unlike high-volume accelerators, you’ll actually know everyone in your cohort. Alumni often return to share hard-won lessons, and our events at AI House keep the community connected.
09
Can my team work part-time from Seattle and part-time remote?
Yes. Many teams work hybrid—splitting time between their home base and Seattle. You’re not required to relocate, but you’re always welcome at AI House for events and in-person collaboration.
After Incubation
01
What happens after the incubation period?
You join our alumni network, with continued access to mentors, technical experts, investors, and community. Alumni often return for guidance, new hires, or introductions.
02
Do you help with seed funding?
Yes. When preparing to raise your seed round, we advise you on how to prepare your data room, refine your pitch, and connect you with our network of VCs and angels.
03
Will the AI2 Incubator publicize our product?
We amplify founder milestones through our community, events, and introductions—but your company’s story is yours to tell.
Program Basics
01
What is the AI2 Incubator?
Programming at Al House runs on a rolling basis, shaped by founders, technologists, and the interests of our community. Recent and upcoming topics include:
02
What happens during incubation?
You’ll work closely with our team of operators, researchers, and venture partners. We help with AI architecture and model development, UX/UI design, product strategy, customer pilots, go-to-market, hiring, storytelling, and fundraising. Founders also gain access to our AI House in Seattle, with events and resident experts.
03
Do I need to move to Seattle?
No. We fully support remote incubation. Many founders stay in their home cities. That said, you’re welcome to join us at AI House in Seattle, one of the country’s most active applied AI hubs.
04
When can I apply?
We have rolling admissions. You don’t need to wait for a batch date—apply when you’re ready.
Investment + Terms
01
How much do you invest?
We invest up to $600K on a SAFE with a $10M cap. Early allocations start at $100K for solo founders or $200K for cofounding teams, with the balance topped up to $600K as you hit early traction. For mature teams, the full $600K can be deployed upfront.
02
What does incubation “cost”?
Our incubation economics are 7% in common stock—the same class you and your cofounders hold. This is different from most founder programs, which take only preferred shares.
03
What can I use the funding for?
Whatever your company needs: compute, early hires, infrastructure, product development, customer pilots, or operations. We also provide up to $1M+ in non-dilutive cloud credits.
04
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
05
What happens If I raised at a higher valuation than your SAFE cap?
Our SAFE is separate from your prior financing and will convert at your next financing. We keep terms founder-friendly to align with future raises
06
Can I raise more money alongside your initial investment?
Yes. Our $600K SAFE is designed to be founder-friendly and easy to syndicate alongside other investors. Many of our companies raise additional angel or micro-VC capital at pre-seed, and we help make introductions. Our terms (SAFE at a $10M cap + common stock) make it straightforward for others to join in, either at the same round or at a later seed
07
What happens if my company shuts down? Do I owe anything?
No. You don’t owe us anything if your company doesn’t work out. Like you, we only win if the company succeeds.
08
How do your terms compare to accelerators and venture studios?
Accelerators often take preferred shares and optimize for volume (hundreds of startups per year). Venture labs or startup studios typically demand 30–50% of your company plus control rights. Our structure at AI2 Incubator is founder-aligned: 7% common stock (same as you) plus up to $600K SAFE at a $10M cap.
09
But I’m losing ~10% of my company!
Not exactly. A better way to think about it is that the equity you give up represents far more than a single partnership—it unlocks a system of resources designed to maximize your odds of success.
You’re gaining a partner with a deep vested interest in your success, hands-on support in company-building, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising; deep applied AI expertise from researchers and technical leaders who have taken frontier research into production; up to $600K of founder-friendly capital; and as much as $1M in free, non-dilutive cloud credits. You’re also joining a community—AI House, resident experts, alumni founders, and an active network of investors and enterprise partners—all aligned to help you find customers, scale, and raise your next round. In other words, that equity isn’t just dilution, it’s alignment, resources, and a platform built to give you the best shot at building a durable, high-impact AI company.
10
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
During Incubation
01
What kind of mentorship do you provide?
Founders work directly with our core partners, venture partners, and resident experts. You’ll get technical reviews, applied AI benchmarking, business model and GTM coaching, investor prep, and access to experienced operators.
02
How much time do I need to commit?
Founders should plan on being deeply engaged, especially in the first year. We don’t run short, cohort-style bootcamps—our model is about long-term, hands-on work.
03
What if I’m a student or have a job?
Yes, you can apply. But once accepted, you’ll need to be focused full time on your company. Many students and working professionals transition to full-time during incubation.
04
What if I’m a professor?
This is the one exception to our full-time expectation. We still ask that you dedicate significant time to your startup, but we recognize the unique value of a university appointment—including access to funding, students, and research support. We work with you to balance both commitments while building your company.
05
Do you help with immigration or visas?
Yes. Through our network of legal and ops providers, we can help address immigration needs.
06
How much time will I spend with AI2 Incubator partners?
Early on, expect to engage in deep working sessions—technical reviews, GTM strategy, pitch prep. As you mature, the cadence becomes founder-driven. We adapt to your stage, but we’re consistently available when you need us.
07
Do you provide introductions to potential customers or pilot partners?
Yes. We actively connect founders to enterprise buyers, design partners, and early adopters. Many of our companies land their first pilot customers through AI2 Incubator introductions. We also facilitate intros to boutique BDR firms to help you generate additional meetings and expand your pipeline.
08
What kind of founder community will I join?
You’ll join a tight network of technical founders, applied AI entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Unlike high-volume accelerators, you’ll actually know everyone in your cohort. Alumni often return to share hard-won lessons, and our events at AI House keep the community connected.
09
Can my team work part-time from Seattle and part-time remote?
Yes. Many teams work hybrid—splitting time between their home base and Seattle. You’re not required to relocate, but you’re always welcome at AI House for events and in-person collaboration.
After Incubation
01
What happens after the incubation period?
You join our alumni network, with continued access to mentors, technical experts, investors, and community. Alumni often return for guidance, new hires, or introductions.
02
Do you help with seed funding?
Yes. When preparing to raise your seed round, we advise you on how to prepare your data room, refine your pitch, and connect you with our network of VCs and angels.
03
Will the AI2 Incubator publicize our product?
We amplify founder milestones through our community, events, and introductions—but your company’s story is yours to tell.
Program Basics
01
What is the AI2 Incubator?
Programming at Al House runs on a rolling basis, shaped by founders, technologists, and the interests of our community. Recent and upcoming topics include:
02
What happens during incubation?
You’ll work closely with our team of operators, researchers, and venture partners. We help with AI architecture and model development, UX/UI design, product strategy, customer pilots, go-to-market, hiring, storytelling, and fundraising. Founders also gain access to our AI House in Seattle, with events and resident experts.
03
Do I need to move to Seattle?
No. We fully support remote incubation. Many founders stay in their home cities. That said, you’re welcome to join us at AI House in Seattle, one of the country’s most active applied AI hubs.
04
When can I apply?
We have rolling admissions. You don’t need to wait for a batch date—apply when you’re ready.
Investment + Terms
01
How much do you invest?
We invest up to $600K on a SAFE with a $10M cap. Early allocations start at $100K for solo founders or $200K for cofounding teams, with the balance topped up to $600K as you hit early traction. For mature teams, the full $600K can be deployed upfront.
02
What does incubation “cost”?
Our incubation economics are 7% in common stock—the same class you and your cofounders hold. This is different from most founder programs, which take only preferred shares.
03
What can I use the funding for?
Whatever your company needs: compute, early hires, infrastructure, product development, customer pilots, or operations. We also provide up to $1M+ in non-dilutive cloud credits.
04
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
05
What happens If I raised at a higher valuation than your SAFE cap?
Our SAFE is separate from your prior financing and will convert at your next financing. We keep terms founder-friendly to align with future raises
06
Can I raise more money alongside your initial investment?
Yes. Our $600K SAFE is designed to be founder-friendly and easy to syndicate alongside other investors. Many of our companies raise additional angel or micro-VC capital at pre-seed, and we help make introductions. Our terms (SAFE at a $10M cap + common stock) make it straightforward for others to join in, either at the same round or at a later seed
07
What happens if my company shuts down? Do I owe anything?
No. You don’t owe us anything if your company doesn’t work out. Like you, we only win if the company succeeds.
08
How do your terms compare to accelerators and venture studios?
Accelerators often take preferred shares and optimize for volume (hundreds of startups per year). Venture labs or startup studios typically demand 30–50% of your company plus control rights. Our structure at AI2 Incubator is founder-aligned: 7% common stock (same as you) plus up to $600K SAFE at a $10M cap.
09
But I’m losing ~10% of my company!
Not exactly. A better way to think about it is that the equity you give up represents far more than a single partnership—it unlocks a system of resources designed to maximize your odds of success.
You’re gaining a partner with a deep vested interest in your success, hands-on support in company-building, go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising; deep applied AI expertise from researchers and technical leaders who have taken frontier research into production; up to $600K of founder-friendly capital; and as much as $1M in free, non-dilutive cloud credits. You’re also joining a community—AI House, resident experts, alumni founders, and an active network of investors and enterprise partners—all aligned to help you find customers, scale, and raise your next round. In other words, that equity isn’t just dilution, it’s alignment, resources, and a platform built to give you the best shot at building a durable, high-impact AI company.
10
If I’ve already raised money, can I still apply?
Yes. Many founders join us after a small angel or pre-seed round. Our focus is whether we can add value, not how much you’ve already raised.
During Incubation
01
What kind of mentorship do you provide?
Founders work directly with our core partners, venture partners, and resident experts. You’ll get technical reviews, applied AI benchmarking, business model and GTM coaching, investor prep, and access to experienced operators.
02
How much time do I need to commit?
Founders should plan on being deeply engaged, especially in the first year. We don’t run short, cohort-style bootcamps—our model is about long-term, hands-on work.
03
What if I’m a student or have a job?
Yes, you can apply. But once accepted, you’ll need to be focused full time on your company. Many students and working professionals transition to full-time during incubation.
04
What if I’m a professor?
This is the one exception to our full-time expectation. We still ask that you dedicate significant time to your startup, but we recognize the unique value of a university appointment—including access to funding, students, and research support. We work with you to balance both commitments while building your company.
05
Do you help with immigration or visas?
Yes. Through our network of legal and ops providers, we can help address immigration needs.
06
How much time will I spend with AI2 Incubator partners?
Early on, expect to engage in deep working sessions—technical reviews, GTM strategy, pitch prep. As you mature, the cadence becomes founder-driven. We adapt to your stage, but we’re consistently available when you need us.
07
Do you provide introductions to potential customers or pilot partners?
Yes. We actively connect founders to enterprise buyers, design partners, and early adopters. Many of our companies land their first pilot customers through AI2 Incubator introductions. We also facilitate intros to boutique BDR firms to help you generate additional meetings and expand your pipeline.
08
What kind of founder community will I join?
You’ll join a tight network of technical founders, applied AI entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Unlike high-volume accelerators, you’ll actually know everyone in your cohort. Alumni often return to share hard-won lessons, and our events at AI House keep the community connected.
09
Can my team work part-time from Seattle and part-time remote?
Yes. Many teams work hybrid—splitting time between their home base and Seattle. You’re not required to relocate, but you’re always welcome at AI House for events and in-person collaboration.
After Incubation
01
What happens after the incubation period?
You join our alumni network, with continued access to mentors, technical experts, investors, and community. Alumni often return for guidance, new hires, or introductions.
02
Do you help with seed funding?
Yes. When preparing to raise your seed round, we advise you on how to prepare your data room, refine your pitch, and connect you with our network of VCs and angels.
03
Will the AI2 Incubator publicize our product?
We amplify founder milestones through our community, events, and introductions—but your company’s story is yours to tell.
Where AI meets the real world
© AI2 Incubator · All Rights Reserved
Where AI meets the real world
© AI2 Incubator · All Rights Reserved
Where AI meets the real world
© AI2 Incubator · All Rights Reserved
Where AI meets the real world
© AI2 Incubator · All Rights Reserved
Where AI meets the real world
© AI2 Incubator · All Rights Reserved