# Founder Labs FAQ

## General

**What is Founder Labs?**
Founder Labs is an accelerator designed by former founders to support early-stage founders building scalable startups with high-growth potential.

**Why was Founder Labs created?**
To empower tech-focused startups in Northern Ireland with the resources and mentorship to achieve rapid growth and success.

**Who is running Founder Labs?**
Founder Labs is an initiative funded by Invest NI and delivered by a partnership between Ormeau Labs, The AMP, Queen's University Belfast and Dogpatch Labs. These experienced partners have helped thousands of founders across the island of Ireland from the idea stage right through to raising money from global investors, collectively helping founders raise over $500m in venture capital. The programme itself is designed and run by former founders.

**How many companies will be in the cohort?**
Up to 10 companies in each cohort.

**When is the next intake?**
The next cohort is being planned now. Register your interest at https://founderlabs.network/apply and we will contact you the moment applications open.

## Eligibility

**Who can participate?**
Founders with an ambitious and transformative idea with a tech focus. It can be at the idea stage, or you may have already launched a product and have your first few customers. If selected, you will be expected to have or set up a Northern Ireland limited company, a UK bank account, and an NI residential address for the duration of the programme.

**What company stage suits the programme?**
You can apply if you have already raised some investment, but teams that have raised a larger amount (such as a pre-seed over £500,000) may not get much benefit as the programme is designed for an earlier stage. We want ambitious founders and scalable businesses: after 3 years of trading we would want revenue or funding over £1m, with the majority of sales from outside Northern Ireland.

**Do I need to be an Invest NI customer to apply?**
No. If accepted, you will be onboarded as an Invest NI customer.

**Can I be based outside Northern Ireland?**
At least one member of each team must be in person throughout the programme with an NI residential address, preferably the CEO/director. Not all co-founders need to be NI-based; some sessions can be joined remotely.

**What grant funding is available?**
If successful you are eligible for £25k in grant funding from Invest NI, paid in four tranches as you complete the programme. No equity, no repayment.

**Who is the programme not suitable for?**
The programme is designed for tech-focused companies with high growth potential. Not suitable: services businesses solving problems primarily through human expertise rather than a software product (consultancy, agency); hardware-first solutions where the value is physical devices rather than software; retail businesses where technology is not the core product; food businesses without proprietary software at their core; and lifestyle businesses built primarily to support the owner's way of living rather than growth. If unsure, come to office hours or an AMA.

## Application process and tips

**How can I improve my chance of being accepted?**
We received over 180 applications for cohort three and expect that to increase. We consistently look for: a great team with curiosity, drive and complementary skill sets; initial market validation, with real user conversations; and a clear, succinct application that shows the tech focus explicitly.

**Office hours**
Office hours are coming back in August. They are informal chats with team members about suitability, application tips and programme queries. Dates are announced on the events page and social channels.

**Ask Me Anything events**
Several AMA sessions run during the application process, with the Founder Labs and Ormeau Labs teams plus founders from previous cohorts.

## Programme structure

**How is the programme structured?**
Two three-month phases: an intensive in-person build phase, and a concierge growth phase. The build phase covers mentoring calibration, company fundamentals, go-to-market and company narrative, ending in a Demo Day at Ormeau Labs in front of 100 investors, mentors and supporters. The concierge phase gives space to lead and grow with support on hand.

**Who are the advisors and mentors?**
Two core entrepreneurs-in-residence support founders weekly: experienced entrepreneurs who have built venture-backed companies. Other mentors come from the local and international network.

**Will there be a Demo Day?**
Yes, in person at Ormeau Labs at the end of the first phase.

**How long is the programme?**
Six months: a three-month intensive in-person phase, then three months of concierge support. International trips to New York, London and Dublin are included.

**What support is there after the programme?**
You become part of the Founder Labs alumni portfolio with continued support, and as an Invest NI client company you keep access to the full range of Invest NI advice and support.

## Logistics

**Where does the programme take place?**
Ormeau Labs in Belfast, with a dedicated programme space to work from daily. You are also part of the Irish Tech Hub Network, with passporting across hubs in Derry, Dublin, Cork, Kerry and Galway. Travel is included; you need the necessary passports or visas for Europe and the USA.

**Are there other local and regional programmes?**
Yes. Northern Ireland has a wide ecosystem of support. Founder Labs also runs Pre-X, an 8-week pre-accelerator: see https://founderlabs.network/prex.md.