Incubator, accelerator, or founder residency?
An incubator can help a person or team explore a problem and develop the foundations of a company. An accelerator typically supports a startup through a defined period of intensive work. A founder residency can start before a team or idea exists. Labels overlap, so read the actual offer.
Programs worth understanding
Techstars describes a three-month, mentorship-driven accelerator with investment. Antler’s US residency accepts founders throughout the year and separates participation from its investment decision. FoundersBoost describes a six-week pre-accelerator focused on readiness for accelerators, investment, and revenue, with no fees or equity. These are distinct models; current terms and eligibility are set by each organization.
What Redko Labs is for
Redko Labs is an impact AI and deep tech incubator for technical founders moving from a research direction to a useful product. Apply with a company, an idea, or as an individual. We enroll on a rolling basis and agree the support, timing, and participation terms before you join.
The investment committee can offer selected founders up to $1 million, with flexible terms negotiated individually. Investment requires a separate review and written agreement and is not guaranteed by program participation. Applying does not commit equity.
Bring the question.
Build the evidence.
Apply on a rolling basis, with an idea, a company, or the ambition to find your starting point.
Questions to ask every program
- Who will work with me, how often, and on which deliverables?
- What happens if I need university IP rights, clinical validation, or lab access?
- What equity is earned, when, and for what committed support?
- Is money committed, discretionary, or only an introduction?
- Can I speak with founders who have completed the program?
- What happens if the program or my project changes?
Experience, clearly described
Redko founder Anya Ozmen has worked with Techstars, Antler, and Founders Boost LA, a pre-accelerator. Redko Labs is independently operated and is not affiliated with or endorsed by these programs.
Program descriptions checked October 13, 2026. This guide is a comparison framework, not an independent ranking or a promise of admission to another program.
Explore the Redko Labs program