At Gluon Syndicate, we follow a structured and transparent selection process to identify and support high-potential startups. This process ensures that every opportunity is evaluated fairly and thoroughly, providing startups with a clear pathway to pitch at our events. ## Inbox Every new opportunity lands in our **inbox**, most often through an online application on our website. We encourage founders to familiarize themselves with Gluon Syndicate’s process and investment conditions before applying. Startups that meet our **basic investment criteria** (e.g., project stage, planned investment volume, and founders’ expectations) are advanced to the next phase. ## Pre-Screening In the first stage of the selection process, we evaluate the responses to key questions from the application. These include: - **Problem and Solution**: Understanding the problem the startup addresses and its proposed solution. - **Market and Competition**: Assessing market size, target audience, and competitors. - **Innovativeness**: Evaluating the uniqueness and potential impact of the concept. - **Team Strength**: Reviewing the experience and skills of the founders. - **Business Model**: Analyzing the revenue and scalability potential. Projects that demonstrate promise during this phase are advanced to the **Screening** stage. ## Screening The second stage involves a deeper dive into the startup’s business model and potential. This phase includes: - **Extended Q&A**: Founders respond to an in-depth set of questions. - **Call with Founders**: A 30 to 60-minute call to discuss the startup’s strategy, vision, and specifics of the business. Based on the findings, we select startups for the **Shortlist**. A month before each pitch event, we aim to have the **16 most promising startups** from the last quarter on the shortlist. ## Shortlist From the 16 shortlisted startups, we select the **8 best** to pitch at the event. This selection is made through a **points-based vote** by founding partners and VIP members of Gluon Syndicate using our online platform. Nominations for the pitch event are finalized **14 days before the event**. ### Selected for Event Conditions for startups selected to pitch at the event: - **Agree to Event Terms**: Startups agree to the terms and conditions of the pitch event, which include templates for the **Convertible Loan Agreement (CLA)** and **SAFE**, ensuring all conditions are standardized and transparent before the event. - **Investment Goals**: Startups must set both a **minimum investment goal** (€50,000 to €300,000) and an optional **extra funding goal** (up to 2× of the minimum). The investment process begins if the startup raises commitments meeting or exceeding its minimum goal at the pitch event. - **No Fees**: Startups pay no fees for participating in the event.