Traction Studio

During our 3.5-month Venture Lane Studio program, occurring every March and September, we work with a cohort of 3-6 companies to nail Go-To-Market strategy, define their sales process, and successfully execute fundraising. Structurally, our program is divided into three stages: Basecamp (2 weeks), Climb (11 weeks), Peak (1 week). Post-onboarding we’ll begin a series of three, one-month sprints during which we do check-ins, host workshops, meet 1:1, and connect you with our pool of mentors. After these three stages we carry on with a post-program that ensures you have all the tools you need to succeed independently. 

We look for a few key things in each of our studio companies: great founders, awesome market opportunity, at minimum a first MVP, first customers, and a B2B software component. These key areas allow us to reach alignment with the founders and startups we help, offering us a “big picture” view of who you are as a company and how we can best support you.

The following outlines our investment approach for our Studio cohort companies. With an emphasis on traction, our investment is intended to align investor/team interests by defining and achieving key success milestones. Our investment take three separate forms:

1. 1. Common Shares: In exchange for your participation in our Venture Lane Studio program, you will grant us 4% of your company’s common shares or warrants. This also affords you lifetime access to the Venture Lane community and resources. This grant aligns us with the founders, the team, and your interests with a focus on long term value creation – we only benefit from an exit when you do.
   2. $100K Investment: Venture Lane will invest $50K at the start of the Studio program in the form of a SAFE via an SPV. An additional up to $50K will be invested by the investment committee after the program upon successful attainment of mutually agreed business milestones. The SAFE will have industry standard terms with a post-money cap that is determined by traction and previous capital raised.
   3. Pro-Rata Rights: Venture Lane is provided the right to invest at least 5% in subsequent rounds until Series A.

Prior to the start of each cohort we encourage companies and founders who are interested to apply on the “Studio” page of our website. Once your application is received and reviewed, we will reach out to schedule a call if we think you’d be a good fit for the program. Post phone call we’ll arrange an individual business model workshop with a small number of companies. This allows us to learn more about you and your startup as well as offers you a peek into our Studio style. If we reach alignment with you during this workshop, we’ll proceed with adding you to the cohort.

We call ourselves a “bespoke” program for a reason – it’s up to you! The program can be entirely in-person at our space in downtown Boston or we can adopt a remote model. Please note: Although we offer a remote option we ask that founders be present in-person in Boston during the first week of the program and during the final week of the program.

Of course! That’s one the perks of being a Studio company, you have access to the Venture Lane co-working space during your time in the program. Just let us know in advance if you or your team are planning on working out the space.

We are currently accepting applications for Venture Lane Studio Cohort 5 on a rolling basis. Cohort 5 is set to begin March 2024.

We focus primarily on B2B companies that have a software component. If you have contracts with government agencies or organizations that’s okay as well. Our Studio program is not geared towards companies that are strictly hardware focused, have a B2C model or are based in the life sciences.

Companies that apply to the Venture Lane Studio need to be fully incorporated Delaware C-Corps and shall reincorporate in Delaware prior to joining the Venture Lane Studio Program. Companies agree to establish a stock option pool of no less than 15% on a fully-diluted basis (the “Equity Pool”).

Yes! Sometimes timing is the hardest part – perhaps our cohort is full or you experience changes in your business structure / operations. Whatever the case may be, we encourage companies to reapply if they are not admitted their first time around.

There are several ways to learn a bit more about Venture Lane Studio and our approach. Venture Lane offers a myriad of programming and events that offer connection with our community and a deeper understanding of our “why”. Also, you’re always welcome to stop by the VL Space at 55 Court Street, Floor 2 – right in the heart of downtown Boston.