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Alchemist
Alchemist

Alchemist Flagship Program

AI/MLB2BEnterprise SoftwareHardwareSaaS
Investment

Optional investment, average $30,000 net of tuition offset; most companies grant 5% equity

Deadline
Rolling
Applications
Open
Location
San Francisco
Duration
Six months

About this program

The Alchemist Flagship Program is a six-month accelerator for AI-SaaS and deeptech startups that monetize from enterprises. Founders get tailored mentorship from operators, investors and domain experts, access to investors, and a peer cohort, and sharpen their go-to-market and fundraising before Demo Day. The program kicks off with an in-person week in the San Francisco Bay Area; programming and mentorship are also available virtually, so founders may take part from anywhere in the world. More than 750 alumni have raised more than $5B.

Key Benefits

  • An optional small cash investment on founder-friendly terms (often a SAFE); the average investment proceeds are $30,000, net of the tuition fee offset
  • Credits and discounts from Alchemist partners (cloud computing, legal fees, marketing and other services) with an aggregate value of more than $450,000; the average value used is $175,000
  • Individual mentoring with Alchemist Partners, accomplished CEOs and domain experts
  • Alchemist Feedback Summits: one-hour office hours with VC investors
  • Demo Day in front of an invitation-only audience of leading global investors
  • Free co-working space in San Francisco, CA
  • Permanent access to Alchemist’s network of mentors, investors, customers and alumni

Eligibility

  • AI-SaaS and deeptech companies that monetize from enterprises (B2B and B2B2C both qualify), regardless of business model
  • All product types, customer segments and sizes, and business models (hardware or software, Fortune 500 or SMB, license/SaaS/freemium)
  • Companies may be located anywhere in the world; the investment structure accommodates your country of incorporation
  • Teams of at least 2 or 3 are preferred; solo founders are accepted, with a higher bar
  • The team, starting with the technical founder(s), is the most important element; market comes second

Program Structure

  • Each class runs for six months
  • Kicks off with an immersive in-person week in and around the San Francisco Bay Area (orientation, workshops, networking)
  • Alchemist Weekly Gathering (typically Thursdays): progress sharing, peer feedback, expert talks and workshops
  • Programming and events are optimized for California and Europe time zones; participation from anywhere is possible
  • Virtual Demo Day, with a live sneak peek event in San Francisco one month before
  • Rolling application deadlines; decisions within three weeks of the deadline, then a 15-minute virtual interview with a panel

Cost

The program has a required “tuition” fee, which Alchemist offsets with additional investment capital. Alchemist also requests a single-digit grant of common equity or its equivalent (most companies grant 5.00%) and may ask for the right to co-invest in follow-on rounds.

Program questionnaire

36 questions

What Alchemist asks on its own application. Nothing is answered here, prepare these, then apply on their site.

  1. 1

    I want my application to be considered for Alchemist Chicago.

    Yes / no

    Indicate Additional Programs of Interest: All applications are reviewed for our flagship Alchemist program. If you would also like to be considered for any of the programs below, please select them here. Alchemist Chicago: A premier Deep Tech launchpad in partnership between Alchemist and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

  2. 2

    I want my application to be considered for Alchemist Doha.

    Yes / no

    Indicate Additional Programs of Interest: All applications are reviewed for our flagship Alchemist program. If you would also like to be considered for any of the programs below, please select them here. Alchemist Doha is a fund for distinctive tech entrepreneurs in emerging markets based in Qatar, delivered in partnership with the Qatar Research, Development & Innovation (QRDI) Council.

  3. 3

    I want my application to be considered for Alchemist Japan.

    Yes / no

    Indicate Additional Programs of Interest: All applications are reviewed for our flagship Alchemist program. If you would also like to be considered for any of the programs below, please select them here. Alchemist Japan offers a three-month in-person accelerator program in Tokyo, focused on the particular needs of Enterprise tech startups with global potential.

  4. 4

    Company Name

  5. 5

    Company Website URL (if available)

  6. 6

    Please describe your company and business in 280 characters or fewer.

    Max 280 characters.

  7. 7

    First Name

  8. 8

    Last Name

  9. 9

    Email Address

    Email
  10. 10

    Phone Number