FIG. 02 - TALENT BENCH
EST. 2025
Invitation-Only Guild

Built for Operators Who
Can Carry the Company.

Join a vetted bench of repeat founders and senior executives. Governance-first mandates, structured trials, and a network of peers.

The Narrative

Sovereignty Over Salary

The most talented builders are not browsing job boards. They are looking for mandates to own. We built this guild to bridge the gap between zero-to-one operators and the capital that needs them, replacing employment with equity-first partnership.

Autonomy

Full decision rights within your domain. You are not a hire; you are a co-owner.

Equity

Meaningful cap table presence. We optimize for upside, not market-rate cash comp.

Impact

Zero-to-one mandates only. Build the foundation, don't just optimize the machine.

The Archetype

Who We Are Looking For

We are not a job board. We are a guild for those with the runway, intent, and ownership mindset to build from zero.

Vector 01

Repeat Founders

Builders who have gone zero-to-one before. You know the cost of misalignment and value governance over speed.

Vector 02

Senior Operators

Product, Engineering, or GTM leaders ready to own a outcome, not just a function. You have the runway to commit.

Vector 03

Domain Specialists

Deep subject matter experts seeking a technical or commercial counterweight to unlock a specific vertical.

The Bar

The Vetting Process

We are not a job board. Access to the bench is granted only after a multi-stage verification of track record, runway, and intent.

Vetting Standards
Acceptance Rate < 3%
01

Intake & Screen

Review of track record, runway, and intent. We filter for ownership mindset, not just employment history.

02

References

Deep backchannel verification. We validate delivery, integrity, and behavior under pressure.

03

Values & Conduct

Alignment with the Co-Founders' Code. Zero tolerance for ego-driven conflict or integrity breaches.

04

Mandate Fit

Matching skills to specific architectural briefs. Role clarity and equity expectations are aligned upfront.

05

Trial Readiness

Commitment to a 60-90 day instrumented trial. Availability and willingness to use governance tools.

The Compact

The Partnership Exchange

A fair trade of equity for impact.

Inflow

What You Receive

  • Curated Mandates

    Direct access to high-intent startups with clear ownership envelopes.

  • Governance Support

    Role charters, decision matrices, and equity templates provided.

  • Peer Guild

    Private salons, case reviews, and network intros.

Outflow

What We Expect

  • Time Commitment

    Active participation in a 60-90 day trial. Weekly sprint planning.

  • Code of Conduct

    Transparency, fair dealing, and respectful disagreement.

  • Guild Contribution

    Peer mentorship, pattern-sharing, and opening doors.

Background
The Gatekeeper

Excellence is the
Barrier to Entry.

We are not an accelerator. We are a guild of peers. Access is reserved for those who elevate the collective median.

<3%
Acceptance Rate
01

Mastery

Demonstrated ability to take a product from zero to one. No first-time founders; we look for scars.

02

Sovereignty

Financial runway to work for equity for 3-6 months. We do not pay salaries for validation. You must have the capital to bet on yourself.

03

Integrity

Zero tolerance for ego or misalignment. We conduct deep backchannel references to verify not just what you built, but how you built it.

Next Steps

Ready to Join the Bench?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will receive a response regarding your eligibility within 48-72 hours.

Apply as Co-Founder
See Trial & Governance Review the Code View Startup Mandates

By applying, you consent to our reference checking process.
Your data is never sold and is shared only with matched founders upon mutual opt-in.

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