FAQs

For startups, investors, and air miners

 

What kind of startups are you looking for?

If you dream of pulling carbon from the air, we want to help you. You might call it natural, engineered, nature-based, or technological. We just call it carbon removal. We need a lot of it, and fast.

What traction do I need before I apply?

Launchpad is designed for companies that have initial data from their lab experiments, or a prototype, or first LOIs with customers. You need more than just an idea, but don’t have to have everything figured out yet. That’s why Launchpad exists!

Are applications open?

Yes, applications for open, click on “Apply” to see the application.

When do I hear back about being accepted?

Applications are reviewed about 2 weeks before the start of the next batch. You’ll hear back then about next steps.

Is Launchpad free?

Time is your most valuable resource as a founder. You don’t have to pay us in money, but you do have to pay in time (attending workshops) and work (interviews and work during the week).

Does Launchpad invest?

At this time there is no financial investment as part of Launchpad. If you’re an investor interested in investing in carbon removal startups, feel free to contact us or register for Investor Demo Day.

Is Launchpad an “accelerator”, “incubator” or something else?

We saw an opportunity to help startup companies in the early stages of formation. Launchpad is inspired by models like OnDeck, Carbon13, and YC Startup School. Nothing like these exists for carbon removal founders specifically, so we created Launchpad to fill the gap.

Is this a one-time thing?

New Launchpad batches start every 3 months. Applications are always open on a rolling basis.

Is my team too early to join?

We designed the AirMiners Launchpad to boost early teams and solo-founders before they go into an accelerator such as Creative Destruction Labs or YCombinator. If that’s you, apply to Launchpad.

Is my team too far along?

If you’ve raised $2M+ in venture capital already, Launchpad probably won’t be super helpful for you. You’re welcome to apply but please describe where you’re at.

Can solo-founders join?

Yes, please apply. When we set out to help companies in carbon removal, we noticed great solo-founders who needed help finding a team. We can help you leverage our carbon removal network to help expand your outreach.

Can I join one of the teams?

Early stage companies are often looking for collaborators, teammates, or even co-founders. Sign up for email updates about Launchpad to stay in touch about opportunities to connect. Also consider joining the AirMiners Slack community to connect to the carbon removal network.

What if I don’t have an idea?

If you know a lot of about carbon removal already, you can join the AirMiners Slack community to connect to the carbon removal network. If you are new to carbon removal, you can join our carbon removal crash course AirMiners Boot Up.

Who will be part of Launchpad?

Up and coming visionary entrepreneurs and early stage startup teams looking to accelerate their company. Upon finishing the Launchpad, we expect some teams will be ready to apply for a startup accelerator, raise venture capital, or connect with other resources to hit their next milestone.

I’m new to carbon removal

We recommend checking out the AirMiners Boot Up, a 5-week course to learn more about carbon removal.

How much time do I need to commit to the program?

Each AirMiners Launchpad runs for 6 weeks. The time commitment is roughly 6 hours per week which includes a 90 minute live workshop and about 5 to 7 hours a week of work such as customer discovery interviews.

Can I invest?

Register for our AirMiners Demo Day here.

I run an accelerator program

Launchpad prepares carbon removal teams to get into an accelerator program to take them to the next stage. Our partner Creative Destruction Lab works with us to support companies after Launchpad, and we love YCombinator, Indiebio, and Carbon2Value. Contact us to get in touch about how we can work with your accelerator.

Launchpad, what about lunch-pad?

Have you considered pivoting your meals to include air-captured protein and vodka? Diet and exercise are more important than ever when launching a new company during a pandemic

You forgot to put a period at the end of that last sentence

It’s not that type of program. We work with up-and-coming startups forming out of nothing pursuing gigaton scale carbon removal. We created Launchpad because we care deeply about carbon removal and will do everything in our power to make it happen. Especially with this being the first cohort of the Launchpad, we ask for humility and enthusiasm as we work together.

I’m afraid of rejection

Hey it happens. Starting any company is hard, not to mention one that pulls carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and makes a business out of it. We made the application as simple as we could. Think of the application as helping us figure out if we’re capable of helping you..

Our team is super knowledgeable and connected in the carbon removal ecosystem. If we can’t help you best, we’ll know who can.