What is FOUNDER FRIENDLY LABS (FFL)?

Founder Friendly Labs (FFL) is the equity-free startup accelerator for experienced professionals. Our founders include veterans from Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Twitter, LinkedIn, eBay, Netflix, HP, Cisco, Oracle, IBM, and Sequoia Capital. They are experts in AI, Machine Learning, Marketing, Productivity, Marketplaces, Deep Learning, IoT, NLP, VR, Financial Planning, Insurance, and more.

As part of our equity-free startup accelerator, startups get access to valuable resources like peer mentoring, 100% discount off the first year of Carta's Build or Grow plan w/ 409A valuations and 83(b) electronic filing, and AWS credits. We understand founders are busy, so we offer a low-commitment experience.

Who are some notable graduates of FFL?

  • Carta (funded by Andreessen Horowitz, Goldman Sachs, Union Square Ventures, Menlo Ventures, K9 Ventures)

  • MasterClass (funded by Fidelity, NEA, Bloomberg Beta, Serena Ventures, Harrison Metal)

  • Moloco (funded by Tiger Global, LG Technology Ventures, Samsung Ventures)

  • Qventus (funded by KKR, Bessemer Venture Partners, Mayfield Fund, Norwest Venture Partners)

  • Bear Robotics (funded by SoftBank, Vela Partners, LG Electronics)

  • Leap.ai (acquired by Meta)

  • Aviate (acquired by Yahoo)

  • ClipMine (acquired by Amazon)

  • Pixelapse (acquired by Dropbox)

  • Digital Staircase (acquired by Meta)

  • Wello (acquired by Weight Watchers)

  • Amiato (acquired by Amazon)

  • Pushpins (acquired by Ebates)

  • Quettra (acquired by SimilarWeb)

  • And many more...

  

DOES FFL PROVIDE MENTORSHIP?

FFL is a community of experienced startup founders who like to help each other out. In the peer mentoring session, members can ask questions and offer advice based on their past professional experiences. For many of our startups, the most valuable advice comes from peers because members have deep experience. The FFL team will also share our learnings from watching 200+ startups participate in FFL.

 

DOES FFL PROVIDE FUNDING FOR STARTUPS?

FFL provides cloud credits from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and a free first year of Carta's Build or Grow plan, but we don't take equity nor invest in startups. If you're a seasoned professional seeking funding, consider applying to pitch Acquired Wisdom Fund.

What is the time commitment?

We understand founders are busy, so we offer a low-commitment experience. The only program requirement is to attend the one-day peer mentoring session hosted from Silicon Valley via Zoom. There is minimal programming because founders are busy running their startups.

What is the process after I apply?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there's no need to wait for a deadline. When you apply, we'll consider you for the next available cohort. If you're a good fit, you'll receive an invitation for an interview.

Will I need to travel for the interview?

No, interviews are conducted remotely via Zoom.

How can I prepare for my FFL interview?

If you're invited for an interview, congratulations! Most applicants do not make it to this step, so getting to this stage is HUGE in itself. Bring all team members who might be interested in joining FFL to the interview, and come ready to introduce yourselves and your backgrounds. You might also be asked about your startup's product, status, goals, and technology stack. You don't need to prepare any slides in advance as informal conversations are generally preferred to formal presentations.

How can I stay updated about FFL?

Stay updated about FFL by joining the mailing list.

 

I still have questions about FFL....

Please send additional questions to ffl@joinffl.com.

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