16VC is building a global founder-first venture platform backing early-stage operators across AI, SaaS, fintech, and frontier technologies.
The Founder in Residence (FIR) program is a 6-week structured fellowship designed for ambitious builders ready to validate, prototype, and launch high-potential startups.
Selected FIRs join 16VC to build alongside our studio team. Top-performing founders may receive accelerator investment.
The Role
As a Founder In Residence, You Will
• Develop and refine a venture thesis
• Validate problem–solution fit
• Build MVP (with studio engineering support if required)
• Conduct customer discovery & early traction experiments
• Present at internal Demo Review (Week 6)
This is not employment.
This is a structured venture-building fellowship.
Program Structure (6 Weeks)
Week 1–2
Problem validation & market research
Week 3–4
Prototype / MVP development
Week 5
Go-to-market testing
Week 6
Demo Day + Investment Review
Top startups may be invited into the 16VC Accelerator for capital investment.
What You Get
• Direct access to 16VC investment team
• Structured venture-building framework
• Weekly strategic reviews
• Studio engineering guidance (if applicable)
• Global founder network
Potential accelerator investment upon successful completion.
Who Should Apply
We Are Looking For
• First-time or repeat founders
• Strong operators from Tier-1 ecosystems
• Technical or domain expertise in AI / SaaS / Fintech / DeepTech
• High agency, high velocity builders
You do not need a co-founder to apply.
Investment Path
High-performing Fellows May Receive
• Entry into 16VC Accelerator
• Pre-seed investment (terms discussed post-selection)
• Ongoing venture studio support
Investment is not guaranteed. Selection is merit-based.
Commitment
• 6 weeks
• 10–15 hours per week (minimum)
• Hybrid sessions + remote flexibility