Launch80 Terms of Service

Introduction

Welcome to Launch80, a venture incubator that connects visionary founders with expert guidance and resources to build successful startups. These Terms outline the terms and conditions of our partnership program, which is designed to help you transform your idea into a thriving business.

What Selected Founders Receive

If selected for partnership, Launch80 will build your complete MVP within 30 days. This development work is valued at $15,000-$50,000 depending on complexity. Additionally, selected founders may receive up to $15,000 in launch funding based on business needs and growth potential. Funding amounts are determined collaboratively based on your go-to-market strategy and capital needs, and are subject to Launch80's discretion.

What Non-Selected Applicants Receive

All applicants who are not selected will receive our comprehensive Builder's Packet. This packet is designed to help you strengthen your own DIY approach and your next application with real progress. The Builder's Packet includes:

• Validation & Research: Customer discovery interview templates, landing page builders (Carrd, Framer, Typedream), smoke test guides, and competitor analysis frameworks.
• No-Code / Low-Code Building: Tool recommendations by app type (Marketplace, SaaS, Mobile, AI), guidance on when to use no-code vs. custom development, and prototype building strategies.
• Traction & Evidence Gathering: What counts as traction, how to document progress for future applications, and metrics that matter at the pre-seed stage.
• Founder Development: Essential reading recommendations, podcasts, YouTube channels, and communities to help you grow as a founder.

Founders who reapply with demonstrated progress are significantly more likely to be selected in future rounds. Your $49 application fee is an investment in your founder journey regardless of the outcome.

Application Fee

As part of our application process, you agree to pay an application fee of $49, which is non-refundable. In the event that Launch80 does not select a winner for a given round, all applicants will receive a promotional code for 100% off a future application submission, valid for twelve (12) months.

Founder Protections

We believe in founder-friendly terms. The following protections are built into our partnership:

• Partial Equity Buyback Option: After 24 months, you have the right to repurchase up to half of Launch80's equity stake (10%) at fair market value, reducing our ownership to 10%.
• Anti-Dilution: Your 80% stake is protected from dilution in any future funding rounds we participate in together.
• No Hidden Fees: There are no management fees, success fees, or ongoing costs beyond the initial application fee.
• Full Transparency: You have complete visibility into all company finances and decisions at all times.

Intellectual Property

We do not retain any intellectual property rights in the MVP or other works created during this partnership period. You are free to use and exploit these assets as you see fit. Everything we build belongs to you.

Idea Protection & Non-Competition

Launch80 agrees to NOT hijack, replicate, or create similar solutions to the idea you submit in your application. This protection applies to all applications received, regardless of partnership status.

In the event that multiple applicants submit similar ideas, Launch80 reserves the right to award partnership to one applicant based on our evaluation rubric. If your idea is similar to another submission that is awarded partnership, this does not constitute a violation of this clause, as the awarded idea originated from an independent applicant.

Equity Partnership

By accepting partnership with Launch80, you agree to grant us a 20% equity stake in your company. We will receive a liquidation preference of 20% in the event of any new investment, exit, or if our ownership is acquired by a third party.

Board Representation

Launch80 will hold 1 advisory board seat on your company's board. You, as CEO and majority shareholder, retain full operational control of day-to-day business decisions. Board consultation is only required for the following major decisions:

• Selling or exiting the business
• Raising outside investment exceeding $100,000
• Issuing new equity that would dilute Launch80's stake below 15%

All other business decisions, including hiring, expenses, product direction, and operations, are made solely by you as founder and CEO.

Goals and Performance

Together, we will work towards achieving growth milestones appropriate for your business. While specific targets vary by industry, typical goals include:

• Achieving product-market fit within 6 months of launch
• Building a sustainable revenue stream within 12 months

These are collaborative goals, not rigid requirements. If progress stalls, we will work together to identify solutions and pivot strategies as needed. Our success is tied to yours.

Launch80's Role After Launch

After MVP development and initial product launch, we maintain passive involvement via quarterly board meetings only. Our goal is to assist you in achieving your objectives while remaining a mostly silent partner. We're here to help when you need us, not to micromanage.

How We Evaluate Applications

All applications are evaluated using the following rubric. Each category is scored on a scale of 1-10:

Scoring Threshold: Applications scoring 70% or higher are considered for partnership. Final selection is made at Launch80's sole discretion, considering portfolio balance, team capacity, and strategic fit.

Application Data & Privacy

By submitting your application, you authorize Launch80 to showcase the following information in our marketing materials:

• Your first name
• Your business/idea name
• The round to which you applied
• The industry your idea serves

Your full application details, including your solution description, background, and contact information, will remain strictly confidential.

Business Entity Registration

We recommend consulting with a lawyer or accountant to determine the most suitable entity structure for your company. Typically, startups choose to register as an LLC or Single-Member LLC, which provides liability protection and simplifies ownership transfer processes.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to make changes to these Terms without notice. Updated Terms will be posted on our website.

Disclaimer

These Terms do not create any warranty or guarantee regarding your startup's success or potential for growth.