Who We Back
This program is not for everyone.
That's the point.
PROOF backs founders with deep domain expertise and active AI capability. We select for substance, not slides.
Profile 1
The AI Engineer
ML engineers, data scientists, and AI researchers who've built production systems and see an opportunity to apply their skills to a specific domain problem. You can build it — you need help finding the right problem and proving market fit.
Profile 2
The Domain Expert
MS/PhD students or experienced professionals in engineering, medicine, or natural sciences. You understand problems most founders can't see because you've lived them. You need the technical framework to build an AI solution.
Profile 3
The Data Insider
Professionals with access to proprietary data or unique data pipelines. Your competitive advantage is your data — you need help turning that into a defensible AI venture.
Profile 4
The Industry Consultant
Management or technical consultants who know where the real pain points are in their industries. You've diagnosed problems for years — now you want to build the solution.
Profile 5
The Technical Founder
Serial builders and side-project developers who are ready to go from hobby to venture. You ship fast, learn faster, and want a structured path from prototype to proof.
Five signals we look for
Domain depth
You understand a specific problem space from direct experience, not from reading a blog post.
Technical credibility
You can build, or you're actively learning to build, with AI tools and modern development stacks.
Problem clarity
You can articulate a specific, painful problem — not a vague market opportunity.
Builder mindset
You default to building, testing, and iterating. You don't wait for permission to start.
Self-awareness
You know what you don't know. You're coachable. You seek feedback, not validation.
This program is not for you if…
- × You want someone else to build your product
- × You're looking for a co-founder matching service
- × You're only interested in the next funding round
- × You can't commit 15–20 hours per week for 10 weeks
- × You have no domain expertise or technical capability
- × You want a traditional accelerator experience with demo days and pitch practice
- × You're not willing to let data override your assumptions
What you get
During 10 weeks
- • Structured 2D-2W-2M sprint methodology
- • Access to AI development tools (Claude, Cursor, v0)
- • Weekly group sessions with peer cohort
- • Bi-weekly 1-on-1 mentorship
- • Peer cohort of 6 founders
- • Framework for turning domain expertise into a venture
What you leave with
- • A working AI product (not a prototype)
- • Measurable proof your solution works
- • A proof document that replaces the pitch deck
- • Real user or customer feedback
- • Founder network of technical builders
- • Clear next steps for growth