Application FAQ 

What should I expect once the application is completed?

• Our team will review your application, and one of our team will set up a phone or video call to answer your questions and to have an initial discussion about your company and technology.

• If there is mutual interest in working together, we will pull in a small number of our Advisors to help our team perform due diligence on your company.

• If your company is selected based on the due diligence, you will pitch at a Pre-Screening event with 12-15 of our highly technical industry advisors (we have two Pre-Screening events per year).

• If your company is selected from the Pre-Screening event, you will then pitch at a Screening event to 50+ Advisors, investors, and partners (we have two Screening events per year).

• If your company is selected from the Screening event you will be offered admission to the Silicon Catalyst incubator.

How important is it to answer all the questions on the application?

For the initial screening, your answers are all we have to evaluate your application so it’s in your best interest to make your answers as comprehensive as possible. Even if the information is included in your pitch deck, answering the application questions completely is generally the most effective way to communicate this information to Silicon Catalyst.

How does Silicon Catalyst decide which startups to admit?

The bottom line is we’re looking for high-quality, interesting startups that can have a significant impact on the world, that have a good chance to succeed, and that we can help. More specifically, we consider 11 criteria:

1. Capable team

2. Open to mentoring/coaching

3. Needs Silicon Catalyst ecosystem (in-kind tools and services, advisors, investors)

4. Addresses large problem/pain point

5. Differentiated technology/solution with IP protection

6. Large market opportunity

7. Traction with potential customers and partners

8. Realistic, thorough financial plan

9. Attractive business model/returns

10. Clear technical and business project timelines/milestones

11. Plans in place to address issues and gaps

What is the application/incubation process of Silicon Catalyst?

Silicon Catalyst Incubator

Incubator Selection Process

Silicon Catalyst Incubation Process

Application Tips

A well-prepared application and a clear, thorough, and concise pitch deck are critical to your success as a company. The tips below will help you provide the information that Silicon Catalyst, as well as virtually any angel group or venture capital firm, needs to evaluate your company.

Problem or opportunity statement

• What is the problem or opportunity that your product can uniquely solve?

Solution/product to be developed

• What is the product you will create that will address the problem or opportunity? What is your value proposition?

Use of semiconductors in solution, semiconductor type

• Will your company design a unique integrated circuit (IC) chip? What type of IC will you design (e.g. digital, analog/mixed-signal, memory, MEMS, silicon photonics, etc.). What technology node will you use (e.g. 0.18 micron, 65nm, 7nm, etc.)?

Potential market size (initially and ultimate)

• What is the size of the market you will directly target, defined by TAM (Total Available Market), SAM (Serviceable Available Market), and SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market)? TAM, SAM, SOM overview

Current or expected customers

• Identify your current customers or potential customers that fit into your SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market).   

Describe your business model

• What is your revenue model and pricing strategy? Explain your sales distribution method. 

Competitors and alternatives

• Define the competitive landscape, existing companies, up and coming players, alternatives. Look beyond today to the time period when your company will be in production and selling in your market.

Competitive advantage

• How is your product better/cheaper/disruptive/etc.

Intellectual property (owned or licensed)

• List intellectual property both applied for and granted.

Go to market strategy (Marketing and Sales)

• How do you reach your customer? Direct Sales/Channel partners. What is your customer acquisition cost (CAC)?

Current and desired Partnerships

• Who will you work with to make your product and company a success? Who have you already reached an agreement with?

Feasibility demonstrations

• Do you have a minimum viable product (MVP)/simulations? What can you show us to convince us you have a viable product?

Key future technical and customer milestones and deliverables

• These should be measurable and trackable milestones and deliverables.

What are your biggest challenges?

• Clearly defining your challenges will allow us to access our ability to help you mitigate those challenges.

What are your greatest perceived risks?  

How did you hear about Silicon Catalyst?

What do you expect from Silicon Catalyst?

• For example, In-Kind Ecosystem Partner tools and services, connection to the Silicon Catalyst Advisor network, funding support, engagement with Silicon Catalyst Strategic Ecosystem Partners, etc.

Current cash balance and monthly cash burn rate

• Include your runway (that is, how long until you run out of cash?).

Previous funding and capital raised, and from whom

Amount of funding needed in 12 and 24 months

Primary expected expenses by major category

• Salaries, IP, prototyping, design tools, 3rd party services, office space, IT 

Exit strategy

• licensing, acquisition, IPO 

Income or Revenue expected in 12 and 24 months- describe the source.

Stage

• Idea, Incorporated, Seed funded, Series A

Management

• List your current employees as well as advisors.