The Bridge Founder Residency 2026–2027: $250,000 Pre-Seed Funding for Non-US Startup Founders
Overview
The Bridge Founder Residency is an intensive startup programme held in San Francisco, California, designed for ambitious entrepreneurs based outside the United States who want to build venture-scale technology and innovation companies. The initiative targets individuals at the earliest stage of their startup journey, including those who are pre-idea or pre-team. The programme is delivered in two distinct phases, beginning with an eight-week founder residency where participants live and work together to explore business concepts, identify customer problems, test markets, and find co-founders. Teams that demonstrate strong potential and are selected by the investment committee may proceed into a further three-month company-building phase.
Who can apply
The opportunity is open to founders based outside the United States who are serious about building scalable businesses. Applicants may apply as solo individuals without an established idea or co-founder, or as early-stage teams. The programme welcomes technical builders such as engineers, researchers, and product-focused individuals, as well as commercially minded professionals with backgrounds in leadership, sales, growth, and business development. Participants must be willing to commit fully to the intensive residency in San Francisco.
What you get
During the initial eight-week residency, the programme covers accommodation in a shared Victorian mansion, workspace, three meals a day prepared by an in-house chef, structured development sessions, mentoring, individual support, and visa guidance. Teams that show strong potential at the end of the residency may receive $250,000 in pre-seed investment, structured as $125,000 in exchange for 8 percent equity through an Entrepreneurs First SAFE and an optional additional $125,000 through a most-favoured-nation SAFE. Funded teams advance to a three-month company-building phase operating from the Entrepreneurs First San Francisco office with hands-on support from the team.
How to apply
Interested founders must submit an online application through the application page to be considered for the current intake dates.