About the program
Do you take equity (financial stake) in CSVS startups?
|
CSVS does not currently charge fees or take equity (financial stake) in companies who join and participate in the program.
|
Who owns or controls the intellectual property (IP) produced during the program?
|
Startups retain full control of their IP. CSVS does not claim any ownership rights over companies’ IP.
|
Can I participate in the program part-time?
|
No, participants are required to work on their startups full-time.
|
When does the program begin? What are the expectations of the program in the first few months?
|
Applicants are selected on a rolling basis and are expected to participate in CSVS for a 12-month period. The initial phase of work involves an assessment to define the KPI and specific support needed from our best-in-class talent network.
|
Program eligibility
What are CSVS' eligibility requirements?
Does my startup need to be based in the US to be considered?
|
We prioritize startups with technology that will benefit the coastal area of Northern California, but do not require a company to be based in the US.
|
I'm still in a PhD program. By what date do I need to graduate to be able to participate in the next cohort?
|
The intention of CSVS is to give entrepreneurs the ability to fully pursue their startups without the demands of other commitments such as Ph.D. programs. To participate in a cohort, applicants currently in Ph.D. programs must complete their degrees before they begin their 12-month program with CSVS.
|
What projects are too early or too late for CSVS support?
|
We will consider applications for startups ranging from pre-seed to early-stage.
|
Can I apply with a co-founder?
|
Yes, you can apply with a co-founder, and individuals working together on a project are required to apply together as a team. We take up to two co-applicants from the same project on a single application, as long as both meet all other eligibility requirements. The Principal applicant is the individual who begins the application by completing the eligibility quiz, and optionally adds a co-applicant as a collaborator to the application.
|
What happens if I have a co-founder who is not eligible for the program?
|
If your co-founder is not eligible for the fellowship, please proceed with your application and we’ll review on a case-by-case basis.
|
Do I/we have to be incorporated to apply?
|
Applicants are not required to have an incorporated entity in order to apply, and applying after incorporation does not provide you with an advantage or a disadvantage. If selected, you may need to establish an appropriate legal and U.S.-based entity for your project with our support.
|
Have a question not answered above?
