Hybrid build
You pay a meaningful part of the development cost. We discount the rest in exchange for a negotiated equity stake.
Best for: Founders with a viable budget, a clear problem and some evidence that customers want it.
Hatch and Ship Equity
Great idea. Small budget? Let's explore a partnership.
Build for equity is a selective programme for founders who have deep industry knowledge or customer access, but not the capital to fund full development at commercial rates.
Two ways a partnership can work
In both, you pay a fixed, affordable participation fee and contribute to a defined development budget. The equity stake is negotiated separately.
Build for equity
Our development contribution funds most of a tightly scoped MVP. You bring industry knowledge, customer access and sales, and you lead the business after launch.
Best for: Credible, committed founders who will run the company once the product exists.
Every partnership has three limits, agreed before we start
A fixed initial scope
The features in the first version are written down before work begins.
A maximum contribution
Our development contribution is capped at the signed scope.
A review point
We both review progress before any further work is agreed.
The participation fee, in plain terms
The fee is fixed and agreed before you pay. It's kept separate from the discounted development budget and from the equity terms.
Set out in writing before you pay
- What the fee covers, and what you receive for it
- The cancellation and refund terms
- Whether the fee is credited towards later work
What the fee doesn't do
- Guarantee acceptance into the programme
- Buy unlimited development or guarantee a finished product
- Guarantee any particular equity percentage
Costs agreed up front
The written terms say who pays for each of these:
- Hosting, third-party services and licences
- Taxes
- Maintenance after launch
- Development beyond the agreed first version
There's no standard equity percentage. Equity is negotiated individually after due diligence and only takes effect once the legal documents have been reviewed and signed.
What we look for
We assess every application on:
- How severe the problem is, and evidence that people want it solved
- Your commitment and ability to execute
- Your access to potential customers
- A credible revenue model
- Feasibility within a defined scope and budget
- What would make the business hard to copy
- Clarity on legal, regulatory and ownership questions
A strong application qualifies for a closer look. It isn't a guarantee of investment, and acceptance is always subject to due diligence.
Probably not a fit if
- The idea is still vague and you'd rather not test demand
- You expect a complete product for a small equity stake
- It isn't clear how the business will make money
- You expect us to cover developers, hosting and API bills indefinitely
- You'd rather not share company records or sign enforceable agreements
If equity isn't right for your project, paid development or a paid discovery phase may be a better start.
How selection works
- Step 1
Apply
A short, non-confidential application. No fee to apply.
- Step 2
Review
We assess the opportunity against the criteria on this page.
- Step 3
Conversation
If you're shortlisted, we arrange an introductory call.
- Step 4
Confidentiality and due diligence
We agree a confidentiality agreement, then look at the detail together.
- Step 5
Written terms
Scope, contributions, the participation fee and equity terms, in writing.
- Step 6
Build and review
We build the agreed first version, then review together before any next phase.
A note on how equity is structured
Exchanging development work for shares isn't as simple as writing a percentage on an invoice. The right structure depends on the company, where each party is based and the nature of the contribution. Each partnership is documented with appropriate legal and tax advice, and partnerships that cross borders may need additional review. That's why we can't promise that one standard contract will suit every founder.
Let's explore what your idea could become.
No confidential details needed, and applying is free.