Get started

Incubator or accelerator? Start where you are.

Founders come to Launchpad at different moments. Pick the one that sounds like you, and you'll see the stage, time, cost and what happens next.

Choose your starting point

Door 1 · Assembly

I'm exploring an idea or building on the side.

Assembly, the Launchpad Incubator

Stage: an idea, a prototype or a side project. Where: in person in your city, or online from anywhere. Time: once a week, about 3–4 hours, for 12 weeks. Cost: $500 total, no equity: $250 when you enroll and $250 six weeks into your cohort. Next: apply any time. Decisions within two business days.

See Assembly

Door 2 · Ignite

I'm launching and pursuing product-market fit and scale.

Ignite, the Launchpad Accelerator

Stage: at or just past launch, with a product, early customers or early revenue. Where: predominantly virtual, tapping into Launchpad's local communities. What you get: a Navigator, 12 to 20 advisors over two years, weekly founder forums and Launchpad perks. Cost: $150/month + 3% common equity via a FAST agreement.

See Ignite

Door 3 · Community

I want to support founders.

Mentor, advise, sponsor, host, invest, offer services or join a startup

Time: as much as you choose. Cost: free to join; Launchpad Membership is the paid tier. Next: pick your role and take its next step.

Choose how to help

Both programs are for founders building high-growth software and AI companies. Conviction and coachability matter more than credentials or prior exits. Not sure which fits? Go by the work in front of you. If you still need to prove the idea with customers, start with Assembly. You can enter either program; they're routes, not steps.

Compare

Two programs, side by side.

Two programs for two different moments. Compare what each asks of you and what you leave with.

Assembly and Ignite compared
CompareAssembly · the Launchpad IncubatorIgnite · the Launchpad Accelerator
StageAn idea, a prototype or a side projectLaunching, and pursuing product-market fit (customers who keep buying and telling others) and scale. Most Ignite companies sit between first customers and first institutional check.
FormatA cohort of up to 20 founders, the same curriculum and mentors, in person or onlineA Navigator (your guide inside Ignite), 12 to 20 advisors over two years, weekly founder forums and a founder community
Where and whenIn person in your city, three times a year on set dates (Greenville, New York and Los Angeles, with Atlanta in early 2027), or online from anywhere, with new cohorts every six weeks. Apply any time.Predominantly virtual, tapping into Launchpad’s local communities
RhythmOnce a week, morning or evening: about 3–4 hours, with a 2-hour class, a 1-hour mentor session and a written updateWeekly founder forums, several Navigator check-ins a month, regular guest speakers and workshops, and advisors brought in as each challenge comes up
Length12 weeksTwo years
Cost$500, the same in person or online: $250 when you enroll, $250 six weeks into your cohort. Nothing is charged unless you're accepted.$150/month + 3% common equity via a FAST agreement
EquityNoneCommon stock, the same class as yours (part of the terms above)
PlatformAssembly OS and Gantry, our AI co-pilot (beta), for your 12 weeksIgnite OS and Gantry, our AI co-pilot (beta), with your Navigator
Launchpad perksIncluded for the 12 weeksIncluded for the whole engagement
What you leave withA company, a pitch, and clarity on what to build next, plus a cohort of founders who know your workSharper product-market fit, investor readiness and a bench of advisors who know your company
Apply to AssemblyApply to Ignite

FAQ

Questions founders ask first.

What does Launchpad cost?

Assembly is $500 total, no equity: $250 when you accept your seat and enroll, and $250 six weeks into your cohort. Nothing is charged unless you're accepted. Payments are nonrefundable once your cohort begins. If we cancel your cohort, or are unable to host it, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid, returned to your original payment method. Ask about needs-based scholarships after you apply. Ignite is $150/month + 3% common equity via a FAST agreement.

Does Ignite invest in my company?

No. Ignite does not invest cash in your company. You get a Navigator, 12 to 20 advisors over two years, weekly founder forums, a founder community and Launchpad perks.

Can I do Assembly online?

Yes. Assembly Online is the same program at the same price, delivered online: the same curriculum and mentors, a cohort of up to 20 founders, Assembly OS with Gantry and the founder community. New online cohorts start every six weeks.

Do I have to do Assembly before Ignite?

No. They're routes, not steps. Start with Assembly if you're testing an idea or building on the side. Start with Ignite if you're launching and pursuing product-market fit and scale.

How do I know which program fits?

Go by the work in front of you. If you still need to prove the idea with customers, that's Assembly. If you're launching and the questions are who to sell to, what to charge and when to raise, that's Ignite.

How fast will I hear back?

Assembly decisions come within two business days of applying. For Ignite, the Ignite team reviews your application within two business days and reaches out to schedule your interview.

Last updated October 20, 2026.