Admissions
Your operational co-founder for U.S. market entry—not another accelerator, but a partner who works alongside you
Find Your Program
We specialize in international founders facing the unique challenges of U.S. expansion: visa complexity, cultural translation, enterprise sales cycles, and American VC expectations. Each program addresses a specific barrier—choose based on your most pressing need.
| program | Ideal Candidate | Prerequisites | Duration | Cohort Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launchpad | International founders with a validated idea seeking U.S. market traction |
| 12 weeks | The first week of April, June, August, Setempber, November |
| ProductLab | International technical founders needing U.S. enterprise credibility |
| 4 weeks | 5 times a year |
| Pitch & Win | International founders ready to raise from American VCs |
| 4 weeks | April, September |
Program Requirements
Launchpad
Who Should Apply
International founders who have proven success in their home market and are ready to validate U.S. demand. We work alongside you as fractional co-founders—joining your standups, making introductions, and helping close your first American customers or users.
Application Requirements
- Working MVP or functional prototype
- 2-minute video pitch explaining your product and vision
- LinkedIn profiles of founding team
- Traction in your home market (users, revenue, or pilots)
- Clear thesis on why the U.S. market matters for your company
Selection Criteria
- Home market traction that translates to U.S. opportunity
- Team's execution capability and coachability
- Willingness to adapt product/messaging for American buyers
- Commitment to 15-20 hours/week for 12 weeks
ProductLab
Who Should Apply
International technical founders who need enterprise-grade credibility for American buyers and investors. Work with Seattle's enterprise engineering talent—the same teams that built AWS and Azure—to produce documentation that passes U.S. VC due diligence.
Application Requirements
- Live product with active users
- Technical architecture documentation
- GitHub/GitLab repository access (for review)
- Technical team bios and backgrounds
- 5-minute technical demo video
Selection Criteria
- Technical innovation with enterprise potential
- Architecture that can scale for U.S. enterprise requirements
- Team's technical depth and willingness to iterate
- Commitment to 20-25 hours/week for 4 weeks
Pitch & Win
Who Should Apply
International founders ready to raise from American VCs but need to translate their pitch for Sand Hill Road. We transform your narrative, connect you directly to our VC network (Graphene, Pegasus, Think Tank), and prepare you for Startup World Cup.
Application Requirements
- $100K+ ARR or equivalent strong metrics
- Current pitch deck (10-15 slides)
- Financial model with projections
- Cap table and current investors
- Clear U.S. market expansion strategy
- 3-minute pitch video
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrated product-market fit in home market
- Strong unit economics that translate to U.S. market
- Compelling founder narrative for American investors
- Commitment to 10-15 hours/week for 4 weeks
Application Timeline
We move fast because you need to move fast. Our rolling admissions process respects your time—no months of waiting, no bureaucratic delays.
Submit Application
Complete the online application with all required materials. Save progress and return anytime before final submission.
Day 1Initial Review
Our team reviews your application and supporting materials. We assess fit for your selected program.
5-7 daysVideo Interview
30-minute video call with program directors to discuss your vision, challenges, and fit for the program.
Week 2Final Decision
Receive your admission decision along with program details, start dates, and onboarding materials.
Week 3Application Portal
We're not the right fit for everyone—and that's intentional. We work deeply with a small number of international founders rather than broadly with many. Book a 15-minute discovery call to see if there's mutual fit.
Book a 15-minute discovery call
Office hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific Time
No available slots on this date.
Prefer email? Reach us at jsong@seattlepartners.us
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple programs?
Yes, you can apply to multiple programs if you meet the prerequisites for each. We'll help you determine the best fit during the interview process. Some founders complete one program and later enroll in another.
What are the program fees?
Program fees vary by program and are designed to be founder-friendly. Contact our admissions team for detailed pricing and available payment plans.
Do I need to relocate?
Launchpad can be completed remotely with periodic in-person sessions. ProductLab requires significant time in Seattle. Pitch & Win includes mandatory Demo Day attendance in Silicon Valley.
What about visa support?
We provide guidance on B1/B2 visas for short-term program attendance and can assist with O-1 visa applications for founders planning longer U.S. stays.
Is there investment included?
Investment is not automatic with program enrollment. However, Pitch & Win graduates have direct access to our VC network, and top performers across all programs are introduced to relevant investors.
What happens after the program?
All graduates gain lifetime access to our alumni network, partner resources, and community events. You remain part of the Seattle Venture Labs ecosystem long after completing your program.
Build from Seattle. Raise in Silicon Valley.
You've proven success in your home market. Now let us help you dominate the world's largest market—with a U.S.-based co-founder who's done this before.
Contact Admissions