Equity-Free Programs
Explore curated tech opportunities for equity free.
Thiel Fellowship
A two-year, $200,000 grant program for innovators aged 22 or younger to pursue full-time projects instead of attending college.
Google for Startups Accelerator
Equity-free accelerator: no cash funding, but up to $100K GCP credits.
Vercel Open Source Program
Seasonal cohort-based program offering impactful open source projects up to $3,600 in Vercel credits, third-party OSS starter-pack credits, and prioritized support.
Sequoia Open Source Fellowship
An equity-free fellowship by Sequoia Capital supporting leading open source developers around the world.
Emergent Ventures Fellowship
Two-year flexible research grant and community designed to support high-impact thinkers tackling big, unconventional problems.
Edge City SHIFT Grants
Tiered grants ($5K–$40K) for d/acc projects in biosecurity, cyber defense, info resilience, physical resilience, neurotech & social technology.
Afore Grants
100% non‐dilutive microgrants of $1,000 for high‐agency builders aged 21 or younger in North America, paired with mentorship and program support.
Thiel Fellowship
A two-year, $200,000 grant program for innovators aged 22 or younger to pursue full-time projects instead of attending college.
Google for Startups Accelerator
Equity-free accelerator: no cash funding, but up to $100K GCP credits.
Vercel Open Source Program
Seasonal cohort-based program offering impactful open source projects up to $3,600 in Vercel credits, third-party OSS starter-pack credits, and prioritized support.
Sequoia Open Source Fellowship
An equity-free fellowship by Sequoia Capital supporting leading open source developers around the world.
Emergent Ventures Fellowship
Two-year flexible research grant and community designed to support high-impact thinkers tackling big, unconventional problems.
Edge City SHIFT Grants
Tiered grants ($5K–$40K) for d/acc projects in biosecurity, cyber defense, info resilience, physical resilience, neurotech & social technology.
Afore Grants
100% non‐dilutive microgrants of $1,000 for high‐agency builders aged 21 or younger in North America, paired with mentorship and program support.
What You'll Find
- Average funding: $76k per opportunity
- Average duration: 2 years
- Equity free: Non-dilutive opportunities offer financial support and resources while allowing you to maintain full control and ownership of your work.
Benefits
- Equity-free stipend to cover living expenses for 6–12 months
- Opportunity to work full-time on open source software projects
- Connection to the Sequoia community of founders and operators
- Flexible, remote-first work from anywhere
- No requirement to give up ownership of code or equity
Application Tips
- Research each program thoroughly to understand their specific requirements and what they're looking for
- Reach out to program alumni or current participants to gain insights into the application process
- Tailor your application to highlight how your project aligns with the program's goals and values
Sequoia Open Source Fellowship
An equity-free fellowship by Sequoia Capital supporting leading open source developers around the world.
Google for Startups Accelerator
Equity-free accelerator: no cash funding, but up to $100K GCP credits.
Vercel Open Source Program
Seasonal cohort-based program offering impactful open source projects up to $3,600 in Vercel credits, third-party OSS starter-pack credits, and prioritized support.
Afore Grants
100% non‐dilutive microgrants of $1,000 for high‐agency builders aged 21 or younger in North America, paired with mentorship and program support.
Edge City SHIFT Grants
Tiered grants ($5K–$40K) for d/acc projects in biosecurity, cyber defense, info resilience, physical resilience, neurotech & social technology.
Emergent Ventures Fellowship
Two-year flexible research grant and community designed to support high-impact thinkers tackling big, unconventional problems.
Thiel Fellowship
A two-year, $200,000 grant program for innovators aged 22 or younger to pursue full-time projects instead of attending college.