How we select startups
We strive to identify and present to you great startups, providing the best investment experience and opportunities. We carefully curate the startups for you from thousands of applications.
The selection and review process:
Initial screening
We first look for strong positive signals using the FPTM model:
Founders — Product — Traction — Mission
dedication, diversity, location, charisma, experience, vision, track record, network, competence, long-term partner, ability to execute.
Due diligence
After we determine the startup is a good fit following the initial review, we kick off the formal due diligence process: we look at the startup’s business in-depth and, if necessary, tap into our networks to help evaluate the following 8 factors (in no particular order):
| Business model |
Business model
How does the startup make or intend to make money? How much can it make?
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| Social impact |
Social impact
How big is their impact and how will they fulfill their mission?
|
| Market |
Market
How large or disruptive can this business be?
What’s their unfair advantage over the competitors?
|
| Technology |
Technology
How is technology used to solve the problem?
How unique and difficult to replicate is it?
|
| Team |
Team
Besides founders, does the team have the right people in the appropriate roles,
experienced advisors, driven employees?
|
| Fact checking |
Fact checking
Is the information presented in the pitch factual? We verify key contracts and important
agreements.
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| Terms |
Terms
Are the funding goals reasonable for the startup’s runway? Is the valuation cap
appropriate at the startup’s current stage?
|
| Eligibility |
Eligibility
Does the startup meet the legal criteria for equity crowdfunding? We do a financial
and legal review and run background checks on founders and officers. As well, all
companies must be US based.
|
Final decision
Due diligence extends to the end of the onboarding process. That’s when we make the final decision to launch the campaign, per all the checks being met.
Only then — finally — the startup goes live on Republic for your consideration.
Even after the campaign goes live, we continue to fact check and monitor the campaign to ensure investors are educated and protected.
How we know which startups are good
Our experience + reputable referrals.
Our team brings experience and knowledge from AngelList – the world’s #1 platform for accredited startup investing, McKinsey, Merrill Lynch, and Zynga, among others. As a team, we have deep experience in investing, online fundraising, law, business, engineering and brand and community building. We have been founders and investors, builders and operators, and we get the support of our vast network of advisors, founders and investors.
We consider startups referred to us by our sister companies, partners, and networks.
Where we find startups
Because it’s our top priority, we spend a lot of time looking for awesome startups. Startups have come to us via:
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Referrals from our partners: sister companies, accelerators, startup hubs, etc.
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Our team’s personal and professional networks
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Online applications from Republic
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Referrals from companies who have raised with us
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Events
- We regularly host events and competitions for startups
- We travel all over US to tech conferences & events.
