thumbnail image
Gearbox.ai smallest logo white background
Gearbox.ai smallest logo white background
  • Home
  • Startups 
    • For Startups
    • Cargo
    • Startup FAQ
    • How to Start
  • Corporations 
    • For Corporations
    • Smart Gateway
    • Gearbox SHIFT
  • Resources 
    • Gearblog
    • Careers
  • Partners 
    • Partner Program
  • About 
    • Gearbox
    • Mission
    • V-Index
    • Contact
  • …  
    • Home
    • Startups 
      • For Startups
      • Cargo
      • Startup FAQ
      • How to Start
    • Corporations 
      • For Corporations
      • Smart Gateway
      • Gearbox SHIFT
    • Resources 
      • Gearblog
      • Careers
    • Partners 
      • Partner Program
    • About 
      • Gearbox
      • Mission
      • V-Index
      • Contact
    JOIN THE PLATFORM
    Gearbox.ai smallest logo white background
    Gearbox.ai smallest logo white background
    • Home
    • Startups 
      • For Startups
      • Cargo
      • Startup FAQ
      • How to Start
    • Corporations 
      • For Corporations
      • Smart Gateway
      • Gearbox SHIFT
    • Resources 
      • Gearblog
      • Careers
    • Partners 
      • Partner Program
    • About 
      • Gearbox
      • Mission
      • V-Index
      • Contact
    • …  
      • Home
      • Startups 
        • For Startups
        • Cargo
        • Startup FAQ
        • How to Start
      • Corporations 
        • For Corporations
        • Smart Gateway
        • Gearbox SHIFT
      • Resources 
        • Gearblog
        • Careers
      • Partners 
        • Partner Program
      • About 
        • Gearbox
        • Mission
        • V-Index
        • Contact
      JOIN THE PLATFORM
      Gearbox.ai smallest logo white background
      • Frequently Asked Questions

         

        We know we're a completely different model and we like that.

         

        Here are some common questions founders ask us:

        How much funding do Gearbox companies receive?

         

        Corporate startup engagement pilots vary significantly. Oftentimes it is between the corporation and the startup to come to term specifics -- although typically, Gearbox, as intermediaries, advises our Corporate Members to, at a minimum, replicate the value of what would be seen in an accelerator and/or small seed round time-consuming promote a clear benefit to engaging.

         

        However, later stage startups with highly sought after technology could likely see a very substantial bump in their bottom line.

         

        In addition, these earlier stage engagements generally increase the valuation of a startup, refine their product/market fit and align with a large organization that becomes a valued customer or technology partner.

        What does Gearbox receive if I'm accepted?

         

        If a startup is accepted into our program, they are required to sign the following documentation before meeting with the corporation and their respective Gearbox liaison:

        • An NDA, which primarily covers information that may be shared by the corporate Member(s) involved in the pilot opportunity
        • A simple Gearbox Academy contract including:
          • Exchange of equity, in which Gearbox receives between .25% and 5% common stock, only in the event of a pilot activation,
          • For startups that haven't raised institutional capital, a 15% common stock investment option, with a 1-year expiration date and,
          • a "Code of Conduct Agreement" by which all Founders must sign.

        So... you said between .25% and 5% equity. How is that calculated?

         

        Generally, the equity is based on the stage of the company using the following table:

        • Pre-Seed: 5%
        • Post-Accelerator: 4%
        • Seed: 3%
        • Series A: 2% (with no investment option)
        • Series B: 1% (with no investment option)
        • Series C: .5% (with no investment option)
        • Beyond: .25% (with no investment option)

        We believe that most entrepreneur support organizations don't take the milestones of the startup, and their founders into consideration when accepting them into their program at a flat figure, regardless of the startup's progress. With this tiered structure -- our aim is to change that.

         

        We believe accelerators take too much from a startup and provide them with too little -- our aim is to challenge that too.

         

        Additionally, a corporate-startup engagement often circumvents the need for an accelerator and increases the probability of additional funding rounds, partnerships and acquisition targets.

        Oooh. An investment option? Tell me more.

         

        In the event of a successfully completed pilot, we provide the corporate Fellowship Member who has engaged with the startup first-right-of-refusal on exercising our investment option. This creates an incentive for both the corporation and the startup to continue growing, scaling and partnering.

         

        If the corporate Fellowship Member decides to pass, Gearbox may then invest as an individual or syndication. This provides the startup team with the fastest opportunity to raise capital -- a time-consuming endeavor that doesn't always lead to the most favorable terms.

        Exchange of equity -- does that mean I lose any control?

         

        Absolutely not.

         

        Gearbox does not ask, imply, nor make you sign anything that would allow (us) as an entity to make (or force) decisions about your company. This includes voting rights, priveledges and/or board seats.

         

        If we get involved it's because we believe in what you're doing and would like for you to continue doing it. We may, from time to time, provide you with, let's call it... constructive criticism or guidance but that's only because we've seen firsthand what works and what doesn't with startups and growth.

         

        Even in the event of this occurrence, you're still free to nod along and then go do as you like.

        Why does Gearbox want equity in my company?

         

        We've been around the block more times than the garbage man.

         

        We know that a vehicle which allows a startup to receive...

        • all of the benefits of a global accelerator, 
        • a lucrative partnership with a leading brand in your space,
        • a body of evidence into the market,
        • significant connections into both mentorship and business,
        • a public collaboration with a large company that significantly increases your valuation,
        • (generally) an equity-free circumvention of the seed round
        • connections to a broad network of other startup founders
        • a potential partner in future collaborations
        • a potential investor for your future funding rounds and
        • a potential acquisition partner

        (and doing so at a faster rate of scale than anything else out there) is a tremendous value to both the startup and corporate partners.

         

        Gearbox provides its startups with one of the most innovative options to start, scale and stay financially healthy. With skin in the game, we're now motivated to make introductions to key connections, provide mentorship, perks, and guidance while helping with any other aspects throughout the rest of the entrepreneurial journey.

         

        Doing the math: Most accelerators take 10% or more. Seed rounds generally take 20% or more. A-rounds take 20% or more. All of which are time-consuming, never guaranteed, difficult to close and generally don't provide added benefits beyond a capital injection.

         

        Meaning: None of which has created any true value to the company's bottom line unless the founders make good use of what comes next.

         

        At Gearbox, you're already on your way -- faster, with more value and equity.

        What kind of companies are a good fit for Gearbox?

         

        Our Corporate members are looking for strategic alignment with their innovation, R&D, new business, product offerings, core challenges, and technology needs. The vast majority of startups are scored using our proprietary algorithm, VentuRank based on a specific set of criteria submitted to us by our corporate partner(s) during the formation of the casting calls.

         

        However, we do love hearing from startups who know they have something great -- if they could only get it in front of <X> corporation, even if it doesn't come up to snuff in our scoring metrics for a specific casting call.

         

        If you think this is you, apply.

         

        When something pops, you'll be notified. Additionally, our smart application gateway allows you to submit your reasoning for applying based on how your startup could benefit a specific corporation.

         

        Strong advice: Do your homework and contribute thoughtfully to this section. Don't make assumptions on what corporations are planning and don't hard sell based on what other corporations are doing in the space. Answer honestly. We'll find your fit if its out there.

        Is my startup too <large, small, early>?

         

        Typically, Gearbox is a fantastic resource for early-stage startups with an excellent foundation that are looking for additional funding mechanisms and partnerships to help with scale and growth.

         

        However, we do often hear from and see applications from Series A and even Series B startups that are looking to engage with a significant corporate partner.

        After applying, I'm thinking about <emailing, engaging, tweeting, connecting with/harassing> someone involved in Gearbox in order to get them excited about what I'm working on. Is that a good idea?

         

        No.

         

        It won't add any additional favor to your application. We strongly advise all of the startups interested in being in the Gearbox program to work hard on the application to ensure thoughtful, concise and honest answers.

         

        We rely on the data provided by you in order to not only make our decisions but also for our AI score, measure and validate them based on the criteria set forth by our corporate members. There is no amount of money in the world that would make us alter your scores, so please don't ask.

        Do I have to be in a specific city in order to participate?

         

        Quick answer: That depends.

         

        Slow answer: Each corporate Member sets different criteria for the startups with which they would prefer to engage.

         

        Each one of these items has a weighted adjustment to the application.

         

        If, for example, a startup scores extremely high on the rest of the application -- based on the interests of the Member, then it could still outweigh the point detriment to those who are not, or are unwilling to, be more nomadic to pursue a specific opportunity.

        If yes, do I have to stay in said city after the program is complete?

         

        No. You're free to do whatever you like.

         

        As is fairly standard with opportunities such as incubators, accelerators and enterprise academies, startups tend to stay or go based on opportunity.

         

        We aim to assist in anything we can do to give you the highest chances of success, and if that means staying here, we would love that -- if it doesn't, we're still your fans.

        What if I'm not selected?

         

        Don't worry. If you have something fresh, you will probably show up on our radar again.

         

        The startups that don't make it through to the next round are generally given the option of remaining in our pool of startups for future opportunities -- and we have a lot of them. It is highly advisable that you select this option.

         

        Our pairing algorithm will find you when you're a good fit. We're continually adding new avenues for startups to gain more and more opportunities.

        Do you offer <mentor, intern, volunteer> opportunities?

         

        Yes. Check out the careers page from time-to-time and subscribe to our newsletter which frequently broadcasts such things.

         

        If you're kind of a big deal, know startups backward and forwards, and you want to lend your time to some of our startups, get in touch using careers@Gearbox.AI.

        What if I have other questions?

         

        Send us an email: Contact@Gearbox.AI with the subject line FAQ, I Still Have A Question so we know that you've made it to the end of this document.

        TL;DR

        • We get a small piece of equity, but only in the event of a pilot activation.
        • The pilot only happens only if you're satisfied with it.
        • You're only going to be satisfied with it if the terms are good.
        • The terms are good if/when it's a solid fit.
        • It's only a solid fit when our robots tell us so.
        • You confirm what our robot says.
        Got it? We good?

        What if all my questions have been answered?

         

        What are you waiting for? Join here.

         

        There's no obligation unless we find you a match and you find the terms to be a good idea.

      Gearbox.ai Small Logo white background

      ABOUT

       

      Who We Are

      Startup FAQ

      Careers

      RESOURCES

       

      The Gearblog

      Gearbox for Corporations

      CONTACT

       

      Contact us

      Join the Platform

       

       

      © Gearbox.AI

      Terms & Conditions
      Privacy Policy
        All Posts
        ×
        ×
        Terms & Conditions
        Web Site Terms and Conditions of Use
        
        1. Terms
        
        By accessing this web site, you are agreeing to be bound by these web site Terms and Conditions of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this web site are protected by applicable copyright and trademark law. 
        
        2. Use License
        
        Permission is granted to temporarily download one copy of the materials (information or software) on Hat Rabbit LLC's web site for personal, non-commercial transitory viewing only. This is the grant of a license, not a transfer of title, and under this license you may not:
        
        - modify or copy the materials;
        - use the materials for any commercial purpose, or for any public display (commercial or non-commercial);
        - attempt to decompile or reverse engineer any software contained on Hat Rabbit LLC's web site
        - remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials; or
        transfer the materials to another person or "mirror" the materials on any other server.
        
        This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions and may be terminated by Hat Rabbit LLC at any time. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format.
        
        3. Disclaimer
        
        The materials on Hat Rabbit LLC's web site(s) are provided "as is". Hat Rabbit LLC makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, Hat Rabbit LLC does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its Internet web site or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.
        
        4. Limitations
        
        In no event shall Hat Rabbit LLC or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption,) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on Hat Rabbit LLC's Internet site, even if Hat Rabbit LLC or a Hat Rabbit LLC authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.
        
        5. Revisions and Errata
        
        The materials appearing on Hat Rabbit LLC's web site could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. Hat Rabbit LLC does not warrant that any of the materials on its web site are accurate, complete, or current. Hat Rabbit LLC may make changes to the materials contained on its web site at any time without notice. Hat Rabbit LLC does not, however, make any commitment to update the materials.
        
        6. Links
        
        Hat Rabbit LLC has not reviewed all of the sites linked to its Internet web site and is not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Hat Rabbit LLC of the site. Use of any such linked web site is at the user's own risk.
        
        7. Site Terms of Use Modifications
        
        Hat Rabbit LLC may revise these terms of use for its web site at any time without notice. By using this web site you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these Terms and Conditions of Use.
        
        8. Governing Law
        
        Any claim relating to Hat Rabbit LLC's web site shall be governed by the laws of the State of Missouri without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
        General Terms and Conditions applicable to Use of a Web Site.
        ×
        Privacy Policy
        Privacy Policy
        
        Your privacy is very important to us. Accordingly, we have developed this Policy in order for you to understand how we collect, use, communicate and disclose and make use of personal information. The following outlines our privacy policy.
        Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will identify the purposes for which information is being collected.
        
        We will collect and use of personal information solely with the objective of fulfilling those purposes specified by us and for other compatible purposes, unless we obtain the consent of the individual concerned or as required by law.
        We will only retain personal information as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes.
        
        We will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and, where appropriate, with the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned.
        Personal data should be relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used, and, to the extent necessary for those purposes, should be accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
        
        We will protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.
        
        We will make readily available to customers information about our policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
        We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with these principles in order to ensure that the confidentiality of personal information is protected and maintained.
        Cookie Use
        We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
        Learn More