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0. Preface-Start Here!

1. Identity Station

2. Landscape Station

3. Connection Station

4. Opportunity Station

5. Translation Station

6. Amplification Station

7. Launch Station

8. VC Station

9. Evolution Station (Coming Soon!)

Grad School was supposed to open doors to a fulfilling career. Instead, you got uncertainty, isolation, and vague advice.
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Investor List

🚀 Top Accelerators & Incubators for PhD Founders

1. Y Combinator (YC)

  • Overview: One of the most renowned startup accelerators globally, YC has a history of supporting technical founders, including PhDs.
  • Investment: \$500K for 7% equity.
  • Notable Alumni: Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe.
  • Link: Y Combinator(Vestbee, Reddit, WIRED)

2. IndieBio

  • Overview: A biotech-focused accelerator that supports scientists in transitioning their research into viable startups.
  • Investment: \$250K in funding.
  • Locations: San Francisco, New York.
  • Link: IndieBio(OpenVC)

3. Techstars

  • Overview: Offers a broad network of accelerators, including programs tailored for early-stage and idea-stage founders.
  • Investment: \$120K for 6% equity.
  • Pre-Accelerator: Founder Catalyst – a 10-week program for idea-stage entrepreneurs.
  • Link: Techstars

4. Berkeley SkyDeck

  • Overview: A top-tier university-affiliated accelerator that combines resources from UC Berkeley's business and engineering schools.
  • Investment: \$100K for 5% equity.
  • Link: Berkeley SkyDeck

5. StartX

  • Overview: A nonprofit accelerator affiliated with Stanford University, supporting founders from the Stanford community.
  • Note: Primarily for Stanford-affiliated individuals.
  • Link: StartX

6. Founder Institute

  • Overview: A global pre-seed accelerator that helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into fundable startups.
  • Program: 14-week part-time program.
  • Link: Founder Institute

7. Entrepreneur First (EF)

  • Overview: Focuses on individuals rather than existing teams or startups, helping them find co-founders and develop ideas.
  • Investment: Varies by location; for example, £80K in Europe for 10% equity.
  • Link: Entrepreneur First

8. MassChallenge

  • Overview: A zero-equity accelerator that supports high-impact startups across various industries.
  • Benefits: Mentorship, office space, and access to a vast network.
  • Link: MassChallenge

9. Alchemist Accelerator

  • Overview: Focuses on enterprise startups, particularly those with technical founders.
  • Investment: \$36K in funding.
  • Link: Alchemist Accelerator

10. Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS

  • Overview: Provides lab space and resources for life science and healthcare startups.
  • Locations: Multiple across North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • Link: JLABS

💰 Venture Capital Firms Open to Early-Career PhD Founders

1. Xfund

  • Overview: An early-stage venture capital firm that originated from Harvard, focusing on entrepreneurs from top universities.
  • Link: Xfund

2. Unshackled Ventures

  • Overview: Invests in immigrant founders at the pre-seed stage, providing support beyond capital.
  • Link: Unshackled Ventures

3. Village Global

  • Overview: A network-driven venture firm backed by some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs.
  • Link: Village Global

4. Afore Capital

  • Overview: Focuses on pre-seed investments, often being the first institutional capital into a startup.
  • Link: Afore Capital

5. Pear VC

  • Overview: An early-stage venture firm that partners with founders from the outset, offering support through their PearX program.
  • Link: Pear VC

🧬 Biotech-Specific Accelerators & Incubators

Given your expertise in molecular genetics, these biotech-focused programs might be particularly relevant:

1. IndieBio

  • Overview: As mentioned above, IndieBio specializes in accelerating biotech startups, providing lab space and funding.
  • Link: IndieBio

2. JLABS

  • Overview: Also mentioned earlier, JLABS offers a no-strings-attached model, providing lab space and resources without taking equity.
  • Link: JLABS(GEN)

3. QB3

  • Overview: A University of California research institute that supports biotech startups with resources and funding.
  • Link: QB3

4. Berkeley SkyDeck

  • Overview: As previously detailed, SkyDeck supports a range of startups, including those in the biotech sector.
  • Link: Berkeley SkyDeck(Wikipedia)

There are also a ton of local and state run initiatives for funding young founders. Here are a few near where I live to check out and know what to look for, for your own locale:

📍 Regional Opportunities Near Columbus, Ohio

1. Ohio Innovation Fund

  • Overview: Invests in early-stage Ohio-based startups, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors.
  • Link: Ohio Innovation Fund

2. Rev1 Ventures

  • Overview: Based in Columbus, Rev1 Ventures offers funding, mentorship, and support to startups in the region.
  • Link: Rev1 Ventures

3. JumpStart Inc.

  • Overview: Supports entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio with funding and resources.
  • Link: JumpStart Inc.