AIR — A Global Startup Residency
Unknownby Collaborative Fund
A global startup residency by Collaborative Fund for design-obsessed founders building AI products, with $50K–$500K investment on founder-friendly terms.
Visit Program$50K–$500K
Uncapped, no-discount MFN SAFE, or same price as round within 60 days
Ongoing (rolling)
Rolling admissions
Rolling — no deadline
NYC, SF, LA, London, Paris, and other cities
No
Global
3/21/2026
Summary
AIR is a global startup residency backed by Collaborative Fund, designed for design-obsessed founders building AI products that move the world forward. Unlike traditional accelerators with fixed cohorts, AIR operates on rolling admissions with no deadlines — founders can apply at any stage from formation to later-stage growth.
Residents receive $50K–$500K in investment on highly founder-friendly terms: uncapped, no-discount MFN SAFEs (or matching a round's price within 60 days). Founders retain 100% IP ownership, and follow-on support is available through Collaborative Fund's broader portfolio.
The residency spans multiple global cities — NYC, SF, LA, London, Paris, and more — with local community events, design engineer hiring assistance, and an advisory network that includes leaders from Runway ML, Meta, Figma Ventures, and other top firms. An annual AI & Culture Summit in New York City brings the full community together.
Program Edge
A design-first AI residency with global reach, rolling admissions, and exceptionally founder-friendly investment terms.
- $50K–$500K investment on uncapped, no-discount MFN SAFE
- Founders retain 100% IP ownership
- Rolling admissions — no deadlines or batch constraints
- Multi-city presence: NYC, SF, LA, London, Paris
- Annual AI & Culture Summit in New York City
- Design engineer hiring assistance
Best Fit
Design-obsessed founders building AI products at any stage — from formation to growth. Solo founders, co-founder teams, and EIRs developing ideas are all welcome.
- AI-native product builders with design sensibility
- Any stage: formation, pre-seed, seed, or later
- Solo founders and co-founder teams
- EIR track for individual builders still developing ideas
- Global applicants welcome
Advisory Network
Access to an advisory network of leaders across AI, design, and venture capital.
- Advisors from Runway ML, Meta, Figma Ventures
- Local community events with partners and advisors
- Follow-on investment support through Collaborative Fund
- Warm introductions encouraged (air@collabfund.com)
Official Sources
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Source: Collaborative Fund
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does AIR provide?
AIR — A Global Startup Residency provides $50K–$500K. Equity terms: Uncapped, no-discount MFN SAFE, or same price as round within 60 days.
When is the AIR application deadline?
Application cycle: rolling — no deadline.
How long is AIR and where does it take place?
Program length: ongoing (rolling). It is based in NYC, SF, LA, London, Paris, and other cities.
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