Deadline:
As soon as possible
Location(s)
Canada United States of America
Overview
Cells are the engine of the next decade.
The era of Intelligent Bioscience is here. Biology, chemistry and technology are converging, challenging the traditional boundaries of science and unlocking new possibilities. We invest in early-stage companies building bio-based solutions to dramatically improve human health and the sustainability of our planet.
Details
Breakout Ventures is a fund within the Thiel Foundation that supports early stage companies as they transition radical scientific discoveries out of the lab and into the market. Breakout Ventures uses philanthropy to support a growing portfolio of early-stage companies in areas ranging from food science and biomedicine to clean energy. We provide up to $500,000 for companies to achieve specific milestones that are critical to their development. Our 2-year program goes well beyond financial support.
Pushing the Boundaries of What’s Possible
Today, there are many scientists with bold ideas that could have tremendous value for society. Too often, they don’t receive the support they need to launch from the lab and into our economy. We want to give those radical ideas a chance to thrive. We want to jailbreak them from existing research institutions and set them free. We want to champion technology that has the potential to change the world and take our civilization to the next level.
So we created Breakout Ventures, a new funding and support mechanism for radical science companies. We use philanthropic funds to advance big ideas and give them the attention they deserve from traditional investors and funding agencies. Our portfolio companies are building things that have never been thought of before, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible instead of settling for what’s probable.
Atoms are harder than bits, but the people at the Breakout Ventures’ companies are bold and dedicated to a definite view of the future. We believe they’ll prove that new science addressing hard problems can create great businesses that make our lives better.
Apply
We have a thorough six step application process. Our internal team evaluates all application inquiries for potential overall fit with our mission and current funding priorities. For more information, please contact us.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who is eligible?
Do you fund companies that are not based in the U.S.?
We only accept proposals from U.S.and Canada-based companies.
We have already raised funds from other sources, can we still apply for a Breakout Ventures grant?
In general, if you have raised more than $1,000,000 from investors we cannot consider your company for funding. This does not include non-dilutive capital (e.g. grants).
How many proposals will be funded in a given year?
Proposals are received, evaluated and funded on a rolling basis. The number of proposals we fund will depend on the quality and quantity of the submissions we receive and their fit within our funding portfolio.
Do you fund non-profits?
No. We can only fund Delaware C-corps.
What is the size of funds available for each grant?
We expect that most grants will be between $250,000 and $500,000 depending on the
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
What we do
- FUNDING: We provide grants up to $500,000 to promising science startups. If you raise funds later, the grants are exchanged for equity.
- SUPPORT: We join your team. We’ll be your biggest fan and your most direct critics, because you don’t have time to waste.
- NETWORK: Access to an elite network of investors, partners, and resources to help you build your business.
- COMMUNITY: We connect you with other Breakout Ventures founders who have faced similar challenges and are always eager to share their experiences.
- EXPOSURE: We help drive press attention when you hit milestones and regularly host showcase events for you to meet investors and strategic partners.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
