Our approach
From vision to venture
We back and build with founders from pre-idea to seed investment, with specialized residencies, expertise, and capital. Our four programs take founders from −1 to 1.
Builders backing builders
We fund you before you have an idea. Philo brings the capital, team, and connections. All through our programs: Connect, Explore, Build, plus first-check capital, Backing.
-1 > 1
A community for the work before the work
Connect Program
A room full of founders and builders who've done this before and are back for more. You're not just working in the same space — you're trading ideas, sharpening your thinking, and learning from people who've been there.
−1 → 0
Two funded months to find what's worth building
Explore Program
Customer development, prototypes, and honest feedback, with funding to let you focus. You leave with real evidence, ready to build.
0 → 1
Everything you need to go from 0 to 1
Build Program
A team in your corner from week one: design, engineering, legal, HR. $900k in the company. Designed to get you to traction.
The Backing
First money in
Philo's first-check capital. Whether you're in one of our residencies or building independently, we move at your speed.
Build with Philo
Your move.
Whether you're exploring an idea, testing an early version, or ready to ship, start here.