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Move in. Test the idea with real customers before you spend real money.
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Home / Founders
For founders
Got an idea?
Raising a round?
Come on in.
The Forge helps founders turn ideas into companies, then invests real money in the ones that are ready. Two ways in, one building, and a super-founder on the wall keeping an eye on everybody.
Cape optional.
Grit required.
- Bring a real problem you know better than anyone.
- Talk to customers before you write a line of code.
- Ask for help early. The building is full of people who’ve done it.
- Ship, learn, repeat. Then come pitch us.
Door 1 · Incubation
Everything but the idea.
For early tech companies. You bring the idea and the hustle; we bring a desk, the people and the stage. Free to get started, by application.
- A free deskYes, actually free. At 268 Pearl Street while you build.
- Mentors who’ve done itFounders and operators who have built and sold companies.
- Investor introsAngels, funds and The Forge’s own fund.
- Pitch practiceReal feedback, then real stages.
- Workshops & eventsSessions on the things every founder hits next.
Build
Get to a product people want and a story investors get in one breath.
FormationBrandMVPPitch deck
Scale
Raise, hire and grow, and walk straight through Door 2.
Investor introsPitch nightsThe Forge fund
The deal, in plain English
No fine print.
- Cost to join
- Free workspace while you’re in the program
- Equity
- Ed to confirm: none, or a small stake?
- Length
- Ed to confirm: e.g. 6 months, renewable
- Investment
- Not automatic, but you’ll be first in line for Door 2.
- Decisions
- Every applicant hears yes or no. No ghosting.
Door 2 · Investment
Real money. Real operators.
We invest our own capital and stay in the room after the check clears. Here’s the whole mandate, so you know in five seconds if you fit.
StagePre-seed to growth
Raise sizeRounds of $2M or less
SectorsAny big opportunity, plus real estate
Check sizeEd to confirm
Startups
Early teams with a big idea and the chops to build it.
- Team with real expertise
- Signs of product-market fit
- A large opportunity, any industry
- Raising $2M or less
- A moat that sets you apart
Growing companies
Traction, and ready for the next level.
- A clear growth trajectory
- Profitable, or a path to breakeven
- A strong management team
- A lead investor in place (or a party round)
Real estate
Distinctive properties, like our own home at 268 Pearl.
- A unique concept
- A full plan and market research
- Conservative leverage
- Cash-flow projections and distribution terms
- Send your deckThrough our pitch form. A short note on the raise helps.
- We read itThe partners read it. Not an intern, not a bot.
- We meetAt The Forge or on a call, to dig in.
- Yes or noDiligence, then a straight answer.
Operators, not just investorsAdvice from people who have built and sold companies.
A home baseDesks, offices and meeting rooms at 268 Pearl Street.
ConnectionsCustomers, partners and co-investors.
From a founder we back
“The Forge has provided advice, connections, encouragement and funding to help Hightag continue our climb in the action sports arena. They truly care and it shows. Let's keep building!”
Alex de la FuenteCo-founder & CEO, Hightag
Founder questions
Good to know.
Which door is mine?
No product or revenue yet? Door 1, incubation. Customers, traction and a round to raise? Door 2, investment. Not sure? Use the contact form and we’ll point you.
What does incubation cost?
The workspace is free for accepted companies. We’ll walk you through the rest when you apply.
Do you only back Beaumont companies?
No, but we’re built for Southeast Texas founders, and local teams get the most from the building.
Do you lead rounds?
For growing companies we usually join a round with a lead or a party round. For early startups it depends on the deal.
Do I need to be a Forge member?
No. If you want a desk anyway, coworking is right downstairs.
Who’s the character on the wall?
Our resident super-founder. Come by on a tour and say hi.
Ready when you are
