Silicon Valley • AI‑native • Zero‑equity funnel
Backing the most experienced AI founders from day zero.
We built the Bay Area’s most selective zero‑equity founder community. Our fund takes first‑money positions and follows winners—with privileged access others can’t get.
The Opportunity
Why Experienced Founders Choose Us
Traditional accelerators fail elite founders. We built something different.
Zero Equity Model
Our non-profit accelerator takes 0% equity, attracting founders who would never join YC or traditional programs.
3-Day Retreats
Not a 3-month program. Experienced founders need focus and deadlines, not basic startup education.
First Money In
We invest at formation, before anyone else. Best terms, privileged access to elite founders.
“Inception gave us that initial push to get over the 'activation energy' required... Our company would not exist without Inception.”
Our Edge
The Inception Advantage
We've cracked the code on attracting elite founders
No Adverse Selection
Every accelerator takes equity. The best founders have better options, so they don't participate. This creates adverse selection.
We flipped the model. Zero equity means zero adverse selection. The best founders join Inception because there's no downside.
Result: We see founders other investors never will. We invest before anyone else. We get the best terms.
Our Thesis
Simple thesis, powerful edge
- Experienced founders win. They're 1.6–2.0× likelier to produce outsized outcomes and raise more with less dilution.
- Zero‑equity top‑of‑funnel. Our 72‑hour retreats attract elite repeat founders who avoid traditional accelerators.
- Own the earliest allocation. $100k starters at formation, then $500k–$1.5M into validated winners, with MFN & pro‑rata.
Portfolio
Backing AI's Future Leaders
From Stanford PhDs to exited founders, our portfolio represents the best of Silicon Valley
Plus 36 more exceptional companies...
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