About
The IOSG Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program is designed for founders at the earliest stage of their journey—those still refining their product ideas, conducting market research, and testing early hypotheses. Over six months, EIRs receive funding, mentorship, and access to IOSG’s network to shape their vision and take the first steps toward building a venture-scale business.
This in-person program in Hong Kong and Shenzhen provides unparalleled access to mentorship, industry insights, and strategic guidance, giving founders the space to experiment, iterate, and validate their ideas before formally launching a startup.
This program complements our Kickstarter Program by supporting entrepreneurs at an earlier stage. While the Kickstarter Program funds early-stage teams with an established product direction, the EIR Program is designed for individuals who are still shaping their vision—offering them time, resources, and expert feedback to test ideas, develop an MVP, and build a stronger foundation before securing funding.
What the Program Offers
- Funding & Compensation
- EIRs will receive compensation throughout the program to support their journey.
- Upon successful completion, EIRs will have the opportunity to secure up to $100k in funding through the IOSG Kickstarter Program, gaining access to additional mentorship, demo day exposure, and a network of investors.
- Product Thesis Refinement
- Through market and product research, EIRs will test and validate key ideas with guidance on technical feasibility, competitive positioning, and long-term strategy.
- MVP Design & Prototyping
- EIRs will quickly design and prototype an MVP to test product-market fit, with regular demo sessions to receive structured feedback from the IOSG team and industry experts.
- Leverage the IOSG Network
- EIRs will gain access to our global network of founders, investors, and ecosystem partners, opening doors to key insights, collaborations, and potential funding opportunities.
- Mentorship & Strategic Guidance
- Weekly one-on-one mentorship sessions with senior IOSG team members, covering key areas such as product design, go-to-market strategy, tokenomics, and capital formation.
Why Work Alongside IOSG?
Working directly with a venture firm at this stage offers more than just funding—it provides a unique opportunity to build with the right guidance and perspective from the start. The IOSG EIR Program allows founders to:
- Learn from experienced investors and operators who have worked with hundreds of Web3 projects, gaining firsthand insights into emerging trends and best practices.
- Validate ideas through structured research and experimentation, refining product direction with strategic input before committing to a full-scale startup.
- Build with an inside track to venture funding, with up to $100K available through the Kickstarter Program for those who successfully develop a compelling concept.
- Gain real-world exposure to Web3 innovation, working alongside top founders and builders in the industry.
This program is designed for those who want to move fast, think critically, and build with confidence—all while working alongside a venture firm that understands the builder mindset.
How to Apply
The program is currently invite-only, but we welcome applications from highly motivated founders who fit our criteria.
Due to the selective nature of the program, we will only reach out if we see a strong fit. If you don’t hear from us, it means we are unable to proceed at this time.
For referrals or inquiries, contact kickstarter[at]iosg.vc.