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Ihwan Efendi

Funded Founder

  • $10,000 grant, no equity
  • Plus a founder & investor network

A one-year, $10,000 grant from Ihwan Efendi for young people who want to build new things instead of sitting in a classroom. Fellows skip or stop out of college and spend the year as they choose: Ihwan takes no equity and won't get in the way. Fellows get support from Ihwan's network of founders, investors, and scientists, and help connecting with investors, partners, and prospective customers.

Questions and answers

What is Funded Founder?

Funded Founder is a one-year, $10,000 grant for young people who want to build new things instead of sitting in a classroom.

How does the grant work?

Fellows receive $10,000, spread out over one year. Ihwan takes no equity in your company.

What is the age limit to apply?

Anyone aged 22 or younger, and without a university degree, is eligible to apply.

Can I apply if I'm still in school?

Yes, though if you're selected, you'll need to drop out to accept Funded Founder.

Do I need to drop out to accept it?

Yes.

Am I eligible if I've received a university degree (undergraduate or graduate)?

No.

Do I need a company, or is an idea enough?

You don't need an incorporated company or a finished product, but you must show meaningful progress toward a concrete vision.

Is it only for software engineers?

No. Funded Founder is open to nonprofit founders, consumer product builders, media company founders, and hardware makers too.

Do I need a team to apply?

No. Applicants are reviewed and accepted as individuals.

Do I need to move if I'm selected?

No. Fellows can be based anywhere in the world.

Is there an application deadline?

No. Applications are accepted year round.

Apply

Applicants are reviewed as individuals: who you are, what you have built, and your progress toward a concrete vision. You need no team, no incorporated company, and no finished product. Applications are accepted year round.

After you send it

  1. Ihwan reads every application personally.
  2. If it is a fit, Ihwan replies to your email to take it further.

All fields are required unless marked optional.

Replies go to this address.

Funded Founder is for people aged 22 or younger.

LinkedIn, X, GitHub, or others. One per line.

University degree holders are not eligible. If you are still in school, you will need to drop out to accept Funded Founder.

Your current project or company, who it is for, and how far it has come, with numbers where you have them. At least 30 characters.

A website, demo, or repository.

If any, up to three: names and roles. Applicants are still reviewed as individuals.

At least 30 characters.

At least 10 characters.

At least 10 characters.

At least 10 characters.

At least 10 characters.

At least 10 characters.

At least 10 characters.

This information is used only to review and answer your application. Read the privacy policy.