OnlyFounders: Founder Admission FAQ
Who is OnlyFounders for? OnlyFounders supports early-stage founders and startups often overlooked by traditional capital providers and platforms. It is built for those who are actively building—founders who are shipping, testing, validating, and pushing through early traction. If you are in the early phase, underestimated, and focused on substance, this is your arena.
What types of founders qualify?
Founder, co-founder, or C-level core team member status is required.
Meaningful equity ownership in the venture is necessary.
Founders must take responsibility for execution, not just vision.
Active engagement in building the startup is essential—no prolonged stealth mode without progress.
Do I need revenue or traction to apply? No, but you must provide evidence of building and progress. We accept MVP-stage projects, alpha or beta launches, or early users. Without a product, prototype, or signal, it is better to wait until you have those. Our focus is on backing builders, not validating decks.
Is OnlyFounders limited to Web3 projects? No. While primarily supporting Web3 and tokenized startups, OnlyFounders welcomes all tech-enabled early-stage ventures including SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, Marketplaces, AI, and Consumer products. Web3 projects should demonstrate:
Real utility or use cases
Actual users or an engaged community
Sustainable tokenomics rather than speculative hype
What stage should my company be in? We support:
Idea to MVP with proof of execution
Beta-stage startups with pre-launch or early traction
Seed to Series A with data, traction, or momentum You do not need prior capital raised but should clearly understand your mission and value.
What materials do I need to apply? Required:
Company name and one-liner
Founder biography and LinkedIn profile
Current stage (Pre-seed, Seed, Series A)
Website or product demo (live or private link)
Traction metrics if applicable (revenue, users, waitlists, engagement)
Fundraising status: yes/no, amount, purpose
Short founder manifesto (3-5 sentences explaining why you, why now)
Optional but recommended:
Pitch deck (PDF or Notion)
Tokenomics document (for Web3 projects)
Market insights or unique perspectives
Is there a cost to apply? No. Application and consideration are free. Access to the platform, network, and launch support depends on performance and merit. Accepted founders may choose to participate in fundraising campaigns with aligned incentives or success-based fees, but there are no upfront platform charges.
What if I’m rejected? You will receive feedback explaining the reasons. If you are close, we will provide guidance to improve and reapply. This process is about curating genuine builders, maintaining signal quality, and protecting network integrity—not gatekeeping for its own sake.
Common rejection reasons include:
Lack of product or evidence of building
No meaningful user or market signal
Generic or unclear problem statements
Weak founder commitment or unclear roles
Vaporware or incomplete projects relying on buzzwords
What makes a founder stand out?
Clear problem definition and solution articulation
Early traction or strong signal evidence
Unique insights into the market or technology
Demonstrated grit and speed of execution
Transparency, willingness to build publicly, and ownership of outcomes
Who decides admissions? The OnlyFounders core team leads admissions with advisory input from founders and partners in the network. The process combines vetting, pattern recognition, and practical judgment.
Can I reapply? Yes. Reapplications are encouraged once your startup has new traction, updates, or significant improvements. There is no penalty for applying early but focus on readiness to avoid wasting your opportunity.
Ready to apply? onlyfounders.xyz
More questions? Email: moe@onlyfounders.xyz
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