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Articles in This Section

  • When will applications for the 2023 Inc. Founder-Friendly Investors be available?
  • What is Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors?
  • What’s the difference between Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors and the Inc. Private Equity 50?
  • When is the deadline to apply?
  • Is there a fee to apply?
  • What is the application process?
  • What are the eligibility criteria?
  • What type of references should I submit?
  • Can my firm apply to multiple categories?
  • What are the odds of making the list?

Related articles

  • Can my firm apply to multiple categories?
  • What are the odds of making the list?
  • What are the eligibility criteria?
  • What is Inc.'s Founder-Friendly Investors?
  • What is the application process?

What type of references should I submit?

Our editors will accept references from U.S.-based, founder-led, portfolio companies that your firm has exited since January 1, 2018. Partially exited investments may be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Please email us if you’re uncertain whether a reference meets this requirement and we’d be happy to help.


This program is now closed. Applications for next year will be available in early Summer 2023. 

Have any questions or concerns? Email us at founderfriendly@inc.com.

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