LeapYear
A Day 1 Startup Studio For Builders
1 Year + $100k to build.
In person. In Chicago.
A Day 1 Startup STudio
Great talent should spend early careers building. Too often that doesn’t happen. Knowing where to start & finding help is often the hardest part
LeapYear is for young builders, eager to solve problems
We look for exceptional talent & fund 5-10 teams a year to build with us in Chicago
We back builders on Day 1, when founders go all in. The leap is hard, so we offer teams their first $100k investment + 1 year of support to start
Every founder starts as a first-time founder. We want to help more people take the first leap
Who We Are Looking For
Exceptional talent in the Midwest or will move here
Solving a real problem. Has a target customer who wants that problem solved
Led by technical teams with proven grit. Talk is cheap. Execution matters
WhY LeapYear
We Stay Small. Keep Talent High
We only fund a few teams a year & so our top priority is finding the most exceptional young builders in the world1 Year. Not 3 Months
We invest with you, not churn you through a startup factory. Sometimes product market fit takes time. Great teams adapt. We invest in people1 Operation. 1 City
We don’t operate in other cities. We run 1 fund in Chicago, designed to give you in-person support. We believe working in person increases successFirst $100k Investment
$100k for 6% equity via a post-money SAFE. No hidden fees. No gotchas. We want founders set up for long-term success
Backed By Builders
LeapYear is supported by 30+ Midwest founders, early-stage builders, & experienced operators who have scaled exceptional companies
We want to help the next generation
Why Build In Chicago?
Large Market — 10 Million People. 3rd Largest City in USA
Large Economy — $800+ Billion GDP (2022). Top 5 GDP Metro in The World
Regional Hub of Midwest — 60+ million people within 6 hr drive
World-Class Universities & Great Engineering Schools in the Midwest
Wide Access to Talent & Capital
Summertime is Amazing