OPEN
Startup Fellowship
Vertex Venture Alliance
- Funding
- $50,000 – $100,000 (non-dilutive)
- Deadline
- Oct 30, 2026
- Eligibility
- Founding teams with a working prototype or early traction, pursuing their first institutional round of non-dilutive funding.
Startup Funding
Startup Grants & Non-Dilutive Funding
Non-dilutive startup grants from $50,000 to $100,000 for prototype-stage founders, plus mentoring and platform credits. See eligibility and apply.
Startup Grants, explained honestly.
Startup grants provide non-dilutive capital — money that does not buy equity or require repayment. For early teams, that can be the difference between preserving ownership and taking a down round before the product is ready.
The Vertex First-Build Fellowship in our catalogue provides $50,000 to $100,000 per team, paid in tranches tied to an eight-week sprint. Fellows also receive structured go-to-market mentoring and around $40,000 in partner platform credits. The fellowship takes no equity.
This page covers who gets selected, what the money can fund and how to present early traction credibly. Reviewers are not looking for a polished deck — they are looking for evidence that the team can execute.
Last reviewed Aug 29, 2026. Programme rules and deadlines can change — always confirm details on the official source before submitting.
Who typically qualifies
- At least one full-time founder on the team.
- A working prototype or beta that reviewers can access.
- An incorporated entity, or willingness to incorporate during the sprint.
- Early traction data — users, pilots or revenue, if any.
- A short video pitch and a clear use-of-funds outline.
- Disclosure of any concurrent equity raise at application.
What the funding covers
- Product development and prototype hardening.
- Go-to-market experiments and early customer acquisition.
- Eight weeks of structured mentoring.
- Partner platform credits valued around $40,000.
- Milestone-based tranche disbursements.
- No equity and no participation fee.
Live Opportunities
Current Startup Grants.
Every listing below is researched and verified. Open an opportunity for full eligibility detail, required documents and the official source link.
OPEN
Business Growth Fund
Meridian Development Foundation
- Funding
- $50,000 – $250,000
- Deadline
- Oct 9, 2026
- Eligibility
- Registered SMEs with 2+ years of operating history, 5–250 employees, and a clearly scoped modernization or expansion project.
Application Path
How to apply, step by step.
The same five-stage path applies whether you handle the application yourself or engage FedOP for support.
- 01
Apply with a product link
The application requires a live prototype or beta. A waitlist page is not a product; reviewers need something they can use.
- 02
Clear the lightning screen
A written Q&A screen runs for one week. Answers should be specific about the problem, the user and the traction evidence.
- 03
Interview with the committee
Expect a live technical and market interview. Be ready to defend your assumptions, not just present your vision.
- 04
Agree a milestone plan
Selected teams build an eight-week plan with an assigned mentor. Tranches are released against milestone reports.
- 05
Complete the sprint
The programme closes with a demo session to alliance partners. There is no equity taken at any stage.
Not sure whether your file is ready? A short intake is enough for us to confirm fit and map a realistic application path.
Start intakeFAQ
Startup Grants, Answered.
Direct answers to the questions applicants ask most often about this category.
Full grant FAQDoes the fellowship take equity?
No. The Vertex fellowship is non-dilutive and charges no participation fee. It is designed to fund progress without taking ownership.
Can solo founders apply?
Yes. Solo founders are welcome, provided at least one founder is working full-time on the business.
Can I apply at idea stage?
No. The programme requires a working prototype or beta. If you are still validating an idea, build a minimal product first and apply in the next cycle.
Can I raise equity at the same time?
Yes, with disclosure at application. The fellowship does not restrict concurrent fundraising, but undisclosed raises undermine the review.
What are the tranches tied to?
Milestones agreed with your assigned mentor during the sprint. Each tranche is released after a milestone report is reviewed.
FedOP supports applicants in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and participating global programmes.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your next funding opportunity starts here.
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