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Overview

The Focal Founder Residency is an intensive 3+ month program designed for technical founders building AI-driven startups. Offered in partnership with The LAB Miami, the program combines venture investment, mentorship from unicorn founders, vendor partnerships worth $1M+, and optional upfront funding, creating a comprehensive accelerator without traditional dilution models.

Investment focus

Focal's Founder Residency combines optional uncapped SAFEs, unicorn founder mentorship, vendor partnerships, and investor access into an intensive, physical founder development program with low dilution and high-touch support.

Program details

Designed for Founders, Builders, Researchers, Operators. The program is in person. Participation is generally full time.

Who it is for

The residency targets AI/ML builders with strong technical foundation, early-stage founders with product-market fit signals or strong commercial traction, and teams seeking venture-scale growth without traditional accelerator dilution.

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for Focal Founder Residency

Admissions and application

Applications for the Winter 2026 Residency opened at focal.vc/residency with a deadline of December 14, 2025. Focal typically announces residency programs with 6-8 week application windows.

Benefits

Participants gain access to mentorship from unicorn founders, a network of 200+ active investors, $1M+ in vendor perks, and operational support.

Timeline

The program lasts for 3+ months with a full-time in-person commitment required in Miami.

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

What it pays

Founders can participate and receive all program benefits without giving up equity to Focal. Optional upfront investment is available to offset relocation costs.

Questions about this program

What is the duration of the program?

The program lasts for 3+ months.

Is there a cost to participate?

The cost details are currently unknown.

About focal

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Venture Capital

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Lists that include this program

From public sources

What the sources say about Focal Founder Residency

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