Questions founders ask us.
Do you actually give me money just for applying?
Every accepted fellow receives a $1,000 grant for 0% equity, no strings attached, simply for being smart, driven, and accepted. Think of it as $1,000 for 0%: a grant to help you start building, not a loan and not an investment.
Why should I apply to PlusEV?
On top of a $1,000 grant and potential follow-on capital, our team is deeply involved in helping you grow: mentorship, introductions, recruiting help, and distribution support. Our founder scaled his own company from $0 in funding to a $160M acquisition in 3.5 years, and made plenty of mistakes along the way that you don't have to repeat.
What if I don't have a startup idea?
That's fine. Ideas are cheap; execution and ambition are what matter. If you're smart, driven, and obsessed with a specific problem area, you can apply with that alone. In your application, just tell us which industries or problems you care most about. We may help pair you with an idea or a team.
Do I need to give up equity to join?
No. Joining PlusEV as a fellow requires 0% equity, and you actually receive a $1,000 grant just for being accepted. If you separately want or need capital, PlusEV may offer an investment of $100K–$500K on terms individualized to your company, but that's entirely optional and never a condition of participating.
Is this the same as being a PlusEV portfolio company?
No, they're explicitly different things. The fellowship selects people. The fund selects investments. Some fellows won't have a company at all, others won't need capital, and others may be building something outside what we invest in. None of that implies rejection from the fellowship.
When do applications open and close?
There's no fixed cycle. Apply any time. If you're exceptional, we want to hear from you whenever you're ready.
Do you meet with founders in person?
Yes. There's no mandatory relocation or fixed-length bootcamp, but we do run in-person retreats and dinners in San Francisco, Miami, New York, and Vancouver throughout the year, and we cover the cost for fellows invited to attend.
Can I apply with a team?
Yes, of course. Add each co-founder in the application.
How do you decide who to fund or work with?
Mainly it's about you. Passion and work ethic can't be taught. Early-stage investing is largely about backing the right people, not just the right idea. If you're talented, passionate, and driven to work on something consequential, we want to talk.
My idea isn't "hardcore tech." Should I still apply?
Yes. You don't need to be an engineer, and your idea doesn't need to be deep tech. It needs to be ambitious and, if it succeeds, needs to make the world materially better.
I don't "need" money for my idea. Should I still apply?
Sure. Capital is only one part of what PlusEV offers. Mentorship, network, distribution help, and community are available to every fellow, whether or not you ever take investment from us.