---
title: "Pre-Seed Partnership Program"
description: "For exceptional founders approaching their first institutional raise. We become your technical co-founders, exchanging technical expertise for equity."
url: https://innovativeprospects.com//pre-seed-partnership
markdown_url: https://innovativeprospects.com//pre-seed-partnership
lastmod: 2026-01-25
---

## Pre-Seed Partnership Program

We occasionally partner with exceptional pre-seed founders, exchanging technical expertise for equity. This is not a discount program. We become your technical co-founders, committed to long-term success.

### What We're Looking For

We're selective. We look for founders and opportunities where our involvement meaningfully increases the odds of success.

#### Exceptional Founders

Demonstrated domain expertise, grit, and founder-market fit. We bet on people first.

#### Large Market Opportunity

Addressing a real problem in a market with $100M+ total addressable market.

#### Clear Path to Funding

Approaching pre-seed raise, or meaningful early traction that validates the market.

#### Runway or Commitment

3-6 months of runway, or willingness to cover operational costs during development.

### How It Works

#### 1. Apply

Share your vision, team, market, and what you've built so far.

#### 2. Discovery Call

We discuss your product, roadmap, and explore mutual fit.

#### 3. Proposal

We present a custom deal structure with scope, timeline, and equity terms.

#### 4. Partnership

Legal agreements signed, and we start building together.

### Why Consider a Partnership?

Equity for services aligns incentives. When you win, we win.

- **Technical Co-Founder Commitment**: We're not contractors. We're invested partners with skin in the game.
- **Reduced Cash Burden**: Preserve capital for product validation, marketing, and growth.
- **Senior Engineering Talent**: Access to 10+ year experienced engineers you couldn't otherwise afford.
- **Long-Term Alignment**: Our incentives align with yours. We succeed when you succeed.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### How much equity do you typically take?

Deal structures vary based on scope, timeline, and company stage. We build custom arrangements that work for both parties. Our stake reflects the value we're bringing and the risk we're taking.

#### Do you require any cash payment?

We typically require founders to cover operational costs (APIs, hosting, tools) and often use a hybrid model: reduced fees plus equity. This ensures commitment and shared risk.

#### What happens if we raise funding?

Our partnership is designed to complement your fundraising, not compete with it. We're happy to convert to a traditional engagement post-funding, or continue as equity partners.

#### How many partnerships do you take?

We accept 1-2 partnerships per quarter to ensure each gets the attention it deserves. This is highly selective.

#### Do we still own the IP?

Yes. You own all code and intellectual property we create. Our equity stake is in the company, not the code.

#### What's the typical timeline?

Most partnerships run 3-6 months for initial product build, with potential for ongoing engagement. We use standard vesting schedules (4-year vest, 1-year cliff) for equity grants.