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One Way Labs is a venture accelerator founded in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to supporting early-stage startups. Established to assist non-technical founders with significant industry knowledge, the organization partners with these entrepreneurs to build software in exchange for equity. This model allows founders to focus on their core business while receiving essential technical support and guidance.
Currently, One Way Labs operates with a small team and has a portfolio of six companies. The firm emphasizes the importance of strong revenue models and founder-market fit, aiming to support tech-enabled companies rather than traditional tech startups. Their approach includes acting as a virtual CTO, providing the necessary technological foundation for startups to succeed. One Way Labs is positioned in a growing but still underserved startup ecosystem in Atlanta, which enhances its relevance in the local market.
One Way Labs invests in early-stage startups, particularly those led by non-technical founders who possess substantial domain expertise. The firm focuses on sectors such as SaaS, consumer products, gaming, and healthcare. Their investment strategy emphasizes strong revenue models and founder-market fit, which are critical for the success of tech-enabled companies.
The organization operates across various stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed+ (extension), and Series A. One Way Labs provides services such as acting as a virtual CTO, which allows founders to navigate the complexities of software development while ensuring they have the necessary technical support. Additionally, they assist portfolio companies in raising follow-on capital, further enhancing their growth potential.
One Way Labs has a diverse portfolio of six companies, each representing different sectors and business models:
These companies illustrate One Way Labs' commitment to supporting tech-enabled startups across various industries, particularly those led by founders with deep domain expertise.
Tharwat Abdul-Malik: General Partner at One Way Labs, Tharwat has extensive experience in venture capital and startup development. He focuses on guiding early-stage companies through their growth phases.
Mark Ryan: General Partner, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and entrepreneurship. His expertise lies in helping non-technical founders build successful tech-enabled businesses.
Dara Dallam: Limited Partner, Dara has a background in finance and investment, providing valuable insights into funding strategies for startups.
Tony Rayfus: Venture Partner, Tony specializes in operational support and strategic guidance for portfolio companies, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
To pitch One Way Labs, founders should visit their website at onewaylabs.com or email them at info@onewaylabs.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the startup's vision, market opportunity, business model, and team background. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
One Way Labs runs a program designed to support early-stage startups by providing technical expertise and resources in exchange for equity. This program focuses on non-technical founders, helping them build software and navigate the complexities of startup development.
Eligibility for the program includes being an early-stage startup led by a non-technical founder with significant industry knowledge. Interested founders can apply through the One Way Labs website or by contacting them directly via email.
As of March 2026, One Way Labs continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on early-stage startups in Atlanta and beyond. The firm has recently added several companies to its roster, emphasizing its commitment to supporting non-technical founders with deep domain expertise.
In April 2026, One Way Labs announced its participation in a local startup event aimed at connecting founders with investors and resources. This initiative highlights the firm's active role in the Atlanta startup ecosystem and its dedication to fostering growth among early-stage companies.
What are One Way Labs' investment criteria?
One Way Labs primarily invests in early-stage startups led by non-technical founders with significant industry knowledge. They focus on tech-enabled companies with strong revenue models and founder-market fit.
How can I apply or pitch to One Way Labs?
Founders can pitch One Way Labs by visiting their website at onewaylabs.com or by emailing them directly at info@onewaylabs.com. It is advisable to include a detailed overview of the startup, the team, and the market opportunity in the pitch.
What makes One Way Labs different from other investors?
One Way Labs differentiates itself by acting as a virtual CTO for its portfolio companies, providing technical expertise and support in software development. This model allows non-technical founders to focus on their core business while receiving the necessary technical foundation.
What is the geographic scope of One Way Labs?
One Way Labs primarily focuses on startups based in North America, specifically within the United States. Their Atlanta location positions them well within a growing startup ecosystem.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, One Way Labs typically operates under an equity-for-software model, which suggests they take equity stakes ranging from 8% to 20% in exchange for their services.
What kind of post-investment involvement can founders expect?
Founders can expect significant post-investment involvement from One Way Labs, including ongoing technical support, assistance in raising follow-on capital, and guidance in navigating the startup landscape.
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