Frequently Asked Questions
Logistics
How do we choose which startups to fund?
We have an admissions process that’s open to any startup, anywhere in the world. You can apply here.
What can I use the ES program for?
You can use the ES program for anything that you believe helps your business. In most cases, the first use of the program should be for the founders to solve the biggest obstacles in their way or get funding.
What is the time commitment of Echo Studio?
It is less than most founders expect; a few hours per week. All parts of the ES program are optional; as a founder we expect you to choose how to spend your time to maximize the odds of your company succeeding.
Some founders worry that Echo Studio could be a distraction from working on their startup. But actually, it’s the opposite; we created Echo Studio to make it possible for founders to spend several months completely focused on their startup with no distractions. Many founders tell us that their time with Echo Studio was the most productive time of their lives.
I’m actively fundraising now but the next accelerator batches don’t start for a long time. What should I do?
Apply now and tell us on the application that you’re actively fundraising. If you are accepted, we’ll accelerate the process to make sure you’re ready for funding; it’s optimal to work with us before actively fundraising.
Should I apply?
Am I too early to apply to ES? Should I wait until I have more traction?
No, it would be a mistake to wait to apply. On average, 10% of the clients we work with are just an idea or great founders. In those cases, we set up revenue and equity share models.
While ES works mainly with large corporate companies and startups that have some traction, we will work with promising companies and founders at the very earliest stage. We recommend applying for ES as soon as you have an idea you are excited about.
We‘ve already been working on our startup for a while. Is Echo Studio appropriate for us?
Yes. The majority of ES companies are post-revenue and a significant percentage these days are large corporate companies.
90% of recent companies had more than $1K in monthly revenue when accepted. Epic companies like Toyota, Red Bull, and Havana Club worked with ES when they were making well over $275B / year.
When we work with companies that are further along, we work with them differently and help them with different things compared to early-stage startups. We can probably help any company, whether they’ve raised a series A round from VCs or not.
We‘ve already raised funding. Can we still apply?
Sure. ES has worked with many companies who have already raised over $1M.
We don‘t really need to fundraise. Does it still make sense to apply?
Almost half of the companies we work with don't need to fundraise. And in fact helping startups fundraise is only a small part of what ES does.
Do you only work with companies that write software?
No, we'll consider companies in any field. We've worked with companies that make everything from cars to drinks to events, hardware, and software. You can see all the companies we’ve worked with here.
Can a single person apply?
Yes. We regularly accept solo founders and can help you find co-founders. That said, our advice remains that one-person startups are tough and you're more likely to succeed with a co-founder.
I have a great idea for a startup, but I‘m not technical. Will you still work with me?
Yes. We regularly accept solo founders and can help you find co-founders. That said, our advice remains that one-person startups are tough and you're more likely to succeed with a co-founder.
Can I participate in ES while I’m a full-time student or working full-time at a job?
You can certainly apply when you are a full-time student or employee, but we expect our clients to commit to working at least part-time at their company if accepted.
ES has already worked with a company that does something similar to my idea. Will that affect my chances of being accepted?
It won't. Unlike many accelerators, VCs, and investors, we don’t consider it a factor whether we’ve already worked with a company working on something similar.
Even if we tried not to accept competing companies, we’d end up with them anyway because startup ideas morph so much. So from early on, we made sure that if two ES startups are working on related stuff, we don't talk to one about what the other's doing.
Can we apply more than once?
Yes. About half the companies apply multiple times before being accepted. If you've applied before and not gotten in, we strongly encourage you to apply again. Having made progress since your last application is a strong signal to us.
Do we need to know someone at ES to get in?
No. One of ES’s core principles is considering all applications equally. We don't rely on introductions the way many investors do.
If we participated in another accelerator, can we do ES?
Yes. We've had many companies join ES after doing another incubator, pre-accelerator, or accelerator. However, if you've done another accelerator already, we may expect that you've reached a higher level of progress.
Do we need to incorporate before applying?
Nope.
What if we incorporated as a non-US corporation?
If your company is already incorporated somewhere other than the United States, Canada, Singapore, or the Cayman Islands, and we want to join your cap table, you may need to create a parent company that is in one of those jurisdictions. The existing company will then become a subsidiary of the new United States, Canada, Singapore, or Cayman parent company.
Many companies in ES do this process in order to partner with ES. While we can connect you with lawyers, it will require a significant effort on your part.
Other
Why did you choose the name “Echo Studio?
Echo Studio is a metaphor for what we do. We're a company that helps grow companies.
What happens at Echo Studio?
Logistics
What happens at Echo Studio?
What can I use the ES prograrm for?
What is the time commitment of Echo Studio?
I’m actively fundraising now but the next accelerator batches don’t start for a long time. What should I do?
Should I apply?
Am I too early to apply to ES? Should I wait until I have more traction?
We‘ve already been working on our startup for a while. Is Echo Studio appropriate for us?
We‘ve already raised funding. Can we still apply?
We don‘t really need to fundraise. Does it still make sense to apply?
Do you only work with companies that write software?
Can a single person apply?
I have a great idea for a startup, but I‘m not technical. Will you still work with me?
Can I participate in ES while I’m a full-time student or working full-time at a job?
ES has already worked with a company that does something similar to my idea. Will that affect my chances of being accepted?
Can we apply more than once?
Do we need to know someone at ES to get in?
If we participated in another accelerator, can we do ES?
Incorporating
Incorporating
Do we need to incorporate before applying?
What if we incorporated as a non-US corporation?
Other
Why did you choose the name “Echo Studio”?