Opportunity Profile
Startup Fellowship
- Funding
- $50,000 – $100,000 (non-dilutive)
- Deadline
- Oct 30, 2026
- Status
- OPEN
- Type
- Fellowship + Grant
Overview
The First-Build Fellowship pairs grant capital with structured go-to-market mentoring for early teams beyond idea stage.
Selected founders join an eight-week sprint followed by a demo session with alliance partners. The fellowship does not take equity.
Funding Details
Non-dilutive grant of $50,000 – $100,000 per selected team, paid in two tranches tied to sprint milestones.
Fellows also receive platform credits valued around $40,000 through partner arrangements.
Eligibility
At least one full-time founder; prototype or beta live; incorporated entity or willingness to incorporate during the sprint.
Solo founders are welcome. Teams raising concurrent equity rounds remain eligible provided disclosure at application.
Requirements
- Founder CVs and incorporation status
- Prototype or product access (link required)
- Early metrics snapshot (users, pilots, revenue if any)
- Short video pitch (under 3 minutes)
- Use-of-funds outline
Application Process
- 1
Submit online application with product link
- 2
Lightning screen (written Q&A, one week window)
- 3
Live technical and market interview
- 4
Selection committee decision
- 5
Milestone plan agreed with assigned mentor
- 6
Tranche disbursements against milestone reports
- The fellowship takes no equity and charges no participation fees
- All communication occurs through official alliance channels
- Reapplication between cycles is permitted and encouraged
No fees are payable to the funding organization at application stage. Fees discussed with FedOP relate solely to professional consulting services.
Official Opportunity Source
Official Opportunity Source
vertexalliance.io
Listing verification updated Aug 26, 2026
Fedop Professional Support — Optional Add-On
The funding organization administers the program and makes all award decisions. FedOP Grant Services is a licensed, government-approved partner — where you engage us, the following professional services apply:
- Application positioning and narrative craft
- Pitch structure & video storyboard feedback
- Metrics presentation coaching
- Use-of-funds planning assistance
- Mock interview practice sessions
Need help positioning your application for this program?
Always confirm current details via the official source before committing effort.