Question 1

What's the equity split?

Accepted Answer

We take 25 to 35% at formation, depending on stage of contribution. Specifics are a conversation. The range is the range.

Question 2

Does Relay 1 invest capital?

Accepted Answer

No. We are not investors. We contribute the build (product, brand, GTM, automation) and stay in the work post-launch as paid operators. Capital is the founder’s job. We help with the deck and the room when you raise.

Question 3

How is the studio paid after launch?

Accepted Answer

The studio takes co-founder compensation, on the same discipline as the founder. Pre-revenue: often deferred until first revenue or first capital raised. Post-revenue or post-seed: $5K to $10K per month at first revenue, scaling to $10K to $20K post-seed. Tapers to advisory compensation as the company builds its own operating team at scale.

Question 4

Why equity AND ongoing compensation?

Accepted Answer

Both are co-founder economics, split across the timeline. The equity is the co-founder grant for the build at formation. The compensation is the co-founder draw for the ongoing work. Two parts of the same role, paid at different moments.

Question 5

How does Relay 1’s stake affect the cap table at pre-seed or seed?

Accepted Answer

Cleanly. We take 25 to 35% at formation. A typical cap table is 55-60% founders, 30% Relay 1, 10-15% ESOP. After a standard seed round, the founder sits in the low-40s and Relay 1 around 22%. Both inside the range sophisticated investors expect. A studio stake reads as a positive signal at the seed and Series A stage.

Question 6

Do I need to bring the idea?

Accepted Answer

A wedge helps. A sector you’ve lived in helps more. We’ve co-founded both ways. Founder-with-idea and founder-with-thesis.

Question 7

What’s the time commitment?

Accepted Answer

When you co-found with Relay 1, you have us. Our cell phones, late nights, weekends if the build calls for it. We’re not a service you submit tickets to. We’re the team building this with you.

Question 8

Do I have to be in Austin?

Accepted Answer

No. We’re based in Austin and prefer founders who can show up in person when it matters, but the work runs async. Most of what we ship is built remotely.

Question 9

Can I apply with a co-founder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both fill out the form and link to each other in the LinkedIn field. Two-founder teams shift the deal. Our stake adjusts to reflect what we’re actually contributing, since the co-founder seat is already filled. We work that out on the call.

Build the
next one
with us.

Co-founder partner, week one.

Operators, not pitchers.

Five steps.

Apply.

The basics.

Nine questions, answered.

Build thenext onewith us.