Introduction

Are you an AI engineer or ML developer with a big idea?

Or dreaming of launching your own startup, but need the right co-founder and capital?

We’re looking for technical AI founders to join our 12–15 week Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program at soonami.

Tasks

• After your join Application gets accepted and you proceed to the next step, you'll have to apply for the soonami Venturethon, which is a second process to vet candidates
• Fill out your form on app[.]foundance[.]org/events/soonami-cohort-7
• The above is necessary for shortlisting
• It's a 12-15 week process
• You're supposed to have an idea in the ML, NLP, agents, LLMs, or AI infra/tools and build part of the MVP/basic framework in a 10-day sprint, then improve the product in 8-10 weeks depending on the feedback you receive from us

Requirements

• Experience with ML, NLP, agents, LLMs, or AI infra/tools
• The itch to build and ship fast
• An idea (or want to build one with us)

We offer

You'll build your MVP, work with a matched co-founder (if needed), and pitch for $125K in seed funding.

No need to quit your job just yet. You can start part-time and switch to full-time once funded.

How It Works:

• Apply → 10-day MVP sprint
• Join 12–15 week EIR program
• Build with us → pitch to our Investment Committee
• Get funded → go full-time on your AI startup
• A founder mindset + time to commit part-time for 3 months

Benefits

• $1K/month stipend (for 3 months)
• Co-founder matching (if needed)
• Hands-on feedback, mentorship, and founder coaching
• Global builder network
• $125K in funding for selected teams
• Certificate of completion

We’ve Funded Startups Like:

• AuditOne – Raised €800K post-EIR
• Foundance, Rethink Finance, DearFlow, Coda Digital and more…