Where Early-Stage Founders Find Their Edge

Starting a company is a lonely climb. You’re juggling validation, traction, investors, and uncertainty, often with no real community that understands what it takes.

That’s why we built The One Degree Founder Community. It’s a private space designed for early-stage founders to learn, connect, and grow together. Whether you’re pre-product or preparing your first raise, this is where you sharpen your ideas alongside other ambitious builders from around the world.

Inside, you’ll find:

☕️ The Coffee House: A founders-only chat space where real conversations happen, not the highlight reels.

💌 Startup Directory: Gain visibility among a growing network of startups and potential collaborators.

📚 Resources & Templates: Access proven frameworks, fundraising decks, and growth tools that actually move the needle.

🎤 Founder Events & AMAs: Tactical sessions with investors, experts, and peers who’ve been in your shoes.

👾 The One Degree Lab: 21+ practical modules to level up your startup game and prepare for investment.

It’s 100% free to join, you just have to be a bonafide startup founder. We’re building a community of founders who are serious about turning good ideas into great companies.

If you’re ready to stop building in isolation and start growing with intention, apply to join our founder space today.

Founder FAQ’s

  • We invest in early-stage startups that demonstrate strong potential for innovation and scalability. Our focus areas include technology, ethical and sustainable businesses, and sectors that align with impactful and forward-thinking values.

  • Our investments typically range from $5,000 to $500,000 for pre-seed and seed-stage companies. We’re open to larger rounds if the opportunity aligns strongly with our vision and strategy.

  • We prioritize founders who exhibit exceptional vision, resilience, and a deep understanding of their target market. A diverse team with complementary skills and a demonstrated commitment to their mission is a significant advantage.

  • The process starts with an initial application via the form above, followed by a review of your pitch deck. If selected, you’ll be invited to a pitch meeting, where you’ll present your business to our investment team. This is followed by a due diligence phase before final investment decisions are made. We move fast, so be prepared!

  • Your pitch deck should clearly cover:

    Problem and solution
    Your Market
    Business model
    Competitive landscape
    Traction to date
    Financial projections
    Team background

    Keep it concise and visually engaging.

  • If we like your idea, we’ll invite you to an exploratory meeting within 5 working days.

    We aim to provide feedback within 2–4 weeks after your pitch meeting and a decision if we would like to invest. This timeline may vary depending on the complexity of the due diligence process.

  • Yes, we offer more than just capital. Founders gain access to our network of mentors, industry experts, and partners. We also provide guidance on strategy, operations, fundraising, and scaling your business.

  • We avoid businesses that conflict with our ethical investment principles. This includes industries such as gambling, tobacco, and other areas that don’t align with sustainability or social responsibility.

  • To prepare:

    • Practice a concise, engaging pitch (10–15 minutes).

    • Be prepared to answer questions on your market, competition, and financials.

    • Clearly articulate your vision and why One Degree is the right partner for your startup.

  • If your pitch doesn’t lead to an investment, you’ll still receive valuable feedback. We encourage you to refine your approach and consider applying again in the future, especially if you make significant progress.