Equity-Free Programs
Discover handpicked technology programs for equity free.
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.
Google for Startups Accelerator
Equity-free accelerator: no cash funding, but up to $100K GCP credits.
Emergent Ventures Fellowship
Two-year flexible research grant and community designed to support high-impact thinkers tackling big, unconventional problems.
Sequoia Open Source Fellowship
An equity-free fellowship by Sequoia Capital supporting leading open source developers around the world.
Thiel Fellowship
A two-year, $200,000 grant program for innovators aged 22 or younger to pursue full-time projects instead of attending college.
Edge City SHIFT Grants
Tiered grants ($5K–$40K) for d/acc projects in biosecurity, cyber defense, info resilience, physical resilience, neurotech & social technology.
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.
Google for Startups Accelerator
Equity-free accelerator: no cash funding, but up to $100K GCP credits.
Emergent Ventures Fellowship
Two-year flexible research grant and community designed to support high-impact thinkers tackling big, unconventional problems.
Sequoia Open Source Fellowship
An equity-free fellowship by Sequoia Capital supporting leading open source developers around the world.
Thiel Fellowship
A two-year, $200,000 grant program for innovators aged 22 or younger to pursue full-time projects instead of attending college.
Edge City SHIFT Grants
Tiered grants ($5K–$40K) for d/acc projects in biosecurity, cyber defense, info resilience, physical resilience, neurotech & social technology.
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.
What You'll Find
- Average funding: $51k per opportunity
- Average duration: 2 years
- Equity free: Equity-free funding means you keep 100% ownership of your startup or project while receiving financial support and resources.
Benefits
- US$200,000 grant disbursed over two years
- No equity taken in fellows' projects
- Access to a global network of mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs
- Guidance and support for project development and scaling
- Opportunities for introductions to potential partners and funders
Application Tips
- Start preparing your application materials well in advance of deadlines to ensure quality submissions
- Research each program thoroughly to understand their specific requirements and what they're looking for
- Tailor your application to highlight how your project aligns with the program's goals and values
- Keep track of application deadlines using a calendar system to avoid missing opportunities
Thiel Fellowship
A two-year, $200,000 grant program for innovators aged 22 or younger to pursue full-time projects instead of attending college.
Sequoia Open Source Fellowship
An equity-free fellowship by Sequoia Capital supporting leading open source developers around the world.
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.
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.
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.