Read the FAQ!

What does Ignee do?
Application Criteria
Selection Process
Investment
Coming to the Program

Tell me what exactly is Ignee?

Ignee is a blockchain startup acceleration program. We are focused at blockchain solutions and products widening mass adoption of it. However, we think about founders first. Venture capital is about investing in people. We want to pick the best people over anything and tend to lean toward founders working on technology or business models of the future.
What do you mean by accelerator, what are you accelerating?

When you come to Ignee, our goal is to rapidly develop your skills and product strategy by cutting out the time you’d waste trying to find invaluable resources on your own. Our accelerator will set you up for success by providing everything you need to take you from idea to deployment.
What investments does Ignee make in its Accelerator portfolio companies?

Up to $75k for accelerator investment that is comprised of direct and services investments.
What if 75k is not enough?

Startups come in all shapes & sizes. We want the flexibility to invest in great founders at every stage, whether they are still experimenting with product-market fit or have found it and are seeing traction. We take a lot of variables into account when putting together an investment offer.
What’s all this about a Mentoring program?

Our Mentoring program consists of the following modules:
Project management Product management Blockchain vs your problem Fundraising strategy Marketing and approach to market fit testing UI/UX Team management Business model and Tokenomics Legal Industry insider quality time
The most valuable thing we provide for you is mentorship. Guided by our extensive experiences in the industry we can help you learn from others mistakes instead of getting burnt making your own. Ignee is a place we equip you with everything you need to turn an idea into a successful company. Whether you’re at the earliest stages recruiting a team or trying to optimizing your product market fit we are here to help you go to market.
Do I have to be in the Ignee location for the entire program?

We do require that you be mostly on site for the duration of the program. This is primarily for you to take full advantage of the numerous networking and coaching opportunities where crucial learning takes place. Unannounced mentor drop ins, last minute pitch opportunities and eureka moments that all build up camaraderie are staggering and we wouldn’t want you to miss these. Ignee is undoubtedly an important commitment and we would like you to be present most of the time. With that said, it is YOUR company,and we understand that you may need to travel, be it for business or family so it’s your call.
Do I have to stay in that city when the program ends after 3 months?

Not at all. It’s your company, you call the shots. Live where ever you want to.
How can we get funded after Ignee ends?

Ignee provides seed funding to get you going, but as you grow you may need more funding to acheive the goals you’ve set. Near the end of the 3 month program, we will organize an Investor Demo Day where venture capitalists and angel investors will gather to listen to you pitch and demonstrate your tech.

What do I need to Apply?

Commitment. You’ve gotta be willing to put in the long hours and hard work it will take to build your idea into a company. You also need a team of at least two people, the more the merrier though.
I’m a single founder. How can I find a co-founder?

Congrats, you’re one of the brave ones and you’ve come to the right place. Apply to our co-founders matchmaking list. We strongly encourage you to seek out co founder whose skill set complements your own. Ex. if you’re a full stack dev ninja pairing up some a strong marketing or business development partner makes a lot of sense.
We are a team, but we don’t have a company. Is that a problem?

Not at all. We will help you form a legal entity and formulate a business plan. Keep in mind that you need to be committed to this business all the way, it’s no part time hobby.
How to make my application more sexy?

The most important thing you can do to strengthen your application are demonstrate that blockchain is a vital component of your business proposition. Round out your team with the necessary technical and business skills. Show us progress on your prototype and product in your application. The fire and passion about building your business has to show, so demonstrate early traction or provide data points to show us you’ve thought this through and validated your core assumptions.
Do you invest in teams without technical founders?

Almost never.
Ok. Great! How do I apply?

That big inviting button red button that says Apply Now, go ahead and click it. Register your profile and fill out the forms. Don’t worry if you’re unable to fill it out all at once, you can save a draft of your application and return to it at any time. Once you’re done with the form, hit submit and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we review your application.

How many companies get into a program?

We take up to 10 startups per program.
How do you select the teams?

We’ve got a rigorous process set in place that takes about a month from the deadline, depending on the number of applications we receive to pick the teams. We bring a panel of experts from our network of mentors to evaluate the applications and choose the ones best fit for our program.
I want to know the status of my application, can you tell me?

Our selection process has a number of stages[link to How it works?]. We will do our best to keep you proactively updated on the status of your application.
I don’t speak good English, should I still apply?

Absolutely. While the program is in English you should consider applying. We’ve had a large number of successful people complete the program who didn’t believe they were good English speakers.
I’m having difficulty describing my project in the Application Form, is that the only criteria you base your decision on?

We base our decisions on a number of factors including your team’s track record, your ability to clearly communicate the value of your idea, and any other details you provide us with. We’ll set up an interview video call which will give you an opportunity to further elaborate on your application and note anything that you’ve struggled to articulate on paper.

How much Investment will Ignee give us?

Ignee will provide you with $75,000 per founding team. The breakdown is as follows. We provide $25000 as services, including development, legal, cybersecurity, marketing and design. $25000 for sponsorship packages which include computing and server facilitation from AWS, MS, Google, FB, DigitalOcean and or EOS. The remaining $25000 are provided as a cash injection for the project. The $75000 is more than enough to get you through the 3 months of the program. However, it is very likely not enough to finance all of your business and development costs, so this should not be the main reason you apply to Ignee. The most important investment we can give you comes in the form of mentors, industry knowledge and access to our network of enterprises and investors.
How much Equity do you take?

We take a dilutable 4-10% equity and tokens stake of your company.
Do you put someone on our Board of Directors?

No. We act as advisors through the program and afterwards. You are still in full control of your company.
Is there a contract involved?

Yes. We agree an Agreement before the program begins. It contains the typical rights of such an agreement and protects us both from any misunderstandings.
Will my intellectual property be safe with you?

Yes. We also have mentors specialised in IP protection to help you.

Where are you located?

Kyiv, Ukraine.
What happens when we arrive?

To help you get settled we will provide you with a starter pack that will include goodies, info on our locations, transport, accommodation and best places in the city to eat out, work out, spend your leisure time and everything else you might need to get comfortable settled in your new environment.
How do we find accommodation?

While we don’t provide you a place to live once you are accepted to Ignee we will immediately assign someone to help you find housing. Keep in mind that living in Kyiv is very affordable.
Is it safe to come out there?

Of course! We will provide you with further info to help you feel completely settled and avoid any issues. Kyiv has a very low crime rate, and people are generally friendly and forthcoming. It’s safe and sound here. Of course! However, we will provide information to help you feel more settled and to avoid any potential problems. According to numbeo.com Kiev is rated as a safer city than London. So don’t let unsubstantiated fears stop you from applying!