Question 1

1. When does the venture studio program start?

Accepted Answer

We are already running our venture studio program with our portfolio startups. Please note that we don't follow a cohort-based model and seek applications throughout the year. Keep following us on our social media to get updates on the same.

Question 2

2. What is the program duration, stages and mode of engagement?

Accepted Answer

The total duration of the program is around 15-18 months. The program is very hands-on and is divided into 4 stages :
Phase 0 - Ideation (4 weeks) 
Phase 1 – Validation (8 weeks) 
Phase 2 - Build (36 weeks) 
Phase 3 – GTM and Fund raise (12 weeks). 
For more details refer Our Model section in the website

Question 3

3. What areas of ClimateTech is NOW focusing on?

Accepted Answer

We are supporting innovators who leverage tech-led innovations to catalyze climate and sustainability solutions while delivering exponential returns. Some of our focus areas include - Built Environment, Industrial Decarbonisation , EV Mobility, Energy, Advanced Materials and others.
For more details refer Our Model section in the website
If your ClimateTech focus area is not listed, we still want to hear from you.

Question 4

4. Where is the venture studio located?

Accepted Answer

NOW venture studio is based out of Bangalore, India

Question 5

5. Is the program open only for Individuals? Can startups apply?

Accepted Answer

The program is open both for individuals, very early-stage startups (preferably with no institutional finding). The startups will be put on a different track based on their stage

Question 6

6. Do you provide office space?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide Co-working office space in our studio in HSR Layout, Bangalore over a period of 12-15 months.

Question 7

7. Do you provide lab space?

Accepted Answer

Phases 0 and 1 of the program are mostly research based. Having partnerships with reputed institutions, we can secure lab spaces in Phase 2 to conduct specific activities to de-risk your tech especially for smart hardware-based solutions.

Question 8

8. Who owns the IP created during the program?

Accepted Answer

At this point, all relevant IPs will be the property of your new venture.

Question 9

9. What happens if I don’t manage to build a company with you?

Accepted Answer

The decision to incorporate the company will be taken at the end of Phase 1, based on the feedback from our investment committee. If we decide not to pursue the opportunity with you, the investment done in Phase 1 will be converted into equity (pre-agreed) if in case you setup the company with another co-founder outside the venture studio.

Question 10

10. What kind of support do I get as part of the program

Accepted Answer

The venture studio provides all the support required to build a seed-stage company over a period of 15-18 months. This includes Capital, Space, Access to Investor Network, Climate Ecosystem Deep Mentoring to name a few

Question 11

11. What expenses will I incur during the program period?

Accepted Answer

The venture studio will directly or indirectly bear the costs associated with the program. Some of the aspects such as working space, Deep mentoring , Ecosystem access, Investment readiness support are covered.

The cost towards prototype development, testing, lab access, travel, accommodation will be borne directly by the Founders from the funding raised.

Question 12

12. What happens when the program ends (post 15 months)?

Accepted Answer

The portfolio startups will move out of the venture studio facility and no Active support will be provided after the program is over.

However, we will keep continuing our support on your new company’s journey even after our engagement period is over in a purely on-demand basis, focusing mainly on GTM (Corporate Connects) and Investor Network introductions.

Question 13

13. Is it a full-time program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We require full-time commitment from the founders from Day one

Question 14

14. What is the mode of engagement? Can I join the program remotely?

Accepted Answer

We offer different engagement modes for the different stages of the program (Hybrid for Stage 1 In-person mode for Stages 2 3).

We offer different engagement modes for the different stages of the program (Hybrid for Phase 0, In-person mode for Phases 1 and 2).

For more details refer to Our Model section of the website

Question 15

15. Do I need an idea to apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The chances of getting into the studio are higher if you hold a patent(s), have applied for a patent(s) or have a prototype.

Question 16

16. Who is the ideal persona for the studio? Can students apply?

Accepted Answer

We partner with exceptional innovators and entrepreneurs, mainly from SCIENCE/ENGINEERING or DEEPTECH/DEEPSCIENCE background to turn their Ideas into high-growth ClimateTech ventures.
Our ideal persona for the Founder role meets one of the following criteria:
Researchers and Students willing to take the entrepreneurial plunge (with Higher degree/PhD, Patents holders)
Industry Leaders and Seasoned Executives (having first-hand experience in managing the decarbonisation problems)
Repeat first-time entrepreneurs (having a track record of building climate solutions or startups)
Early-stage startups in relevant space (having not raised any institutional equity funding)

Question 17

17. I have a business co-founder profile. Can I apply?

Accepted Answer

As of now, we work with technical founders first and look to add business co-founders in the later stages based on the requirement (as NOW acts in full capacity as a business cofounder)

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