PIE Q&A - January 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbL89Ct2KmY&t=20s
Links to specific questions
At what stage of start up is the ideal PIE candidate?
For those companies & founders that approach PIE with sensitive, not yet public IP, and a general concern over their idea falling into the wrong hands, how does PIE protect them? Is there a mutual NDA an applicant can review, or is PIE open to executing an NDA born from an applicant company prior to the company applying?
What's PIE's stance on founders who haven't gone full-time on their business yet?
I read the "typical week at PIE" in the FAQ. How has the pandemic changed that? Still meeting in person? Zoom calls? Thanks!
What if I've been working on my idea solo and haven't built a team yet? Will PIE help me find the folks with the skills I need to keep going?
Do all PIE participants end up seeking funding or do some stick to bootstrapping and funding themselves?
Does PIE have resources to assist such a company in attaining utility patents and trademarks with the USPTO and/or assisting with international IP efforts with the OIPC?
Does PIE accept moonshots? e.g. If I want to build a new city or flying cars.
Can you share a profile of the ideal PIE candidate and his/her/their IP?
What are the biggest PIE success stories, and how did PIE contribute to that success?
How does PIE fund itself, if it doesn't take equity and doesn't charge tuition?
What kind(s) of experience should the folks who are applying to PIE have?
How many companies do you accept in the PIE Consumer program?
I started a new Salesforce consulting firm in PDX late last year. As a services company, I do not believe I am a Pie candidate, but I am wondering what the best way is to get involved in the Pie ecosystem? I believe my skills can add value to companies looking to cement IT best practices as part of their growth plan.
Do you expect applicants to have logo/pitchdeck/headshots before applying?
I'm still a bit confused about the stage question. On the PIE website it says that PIE and PIE shop generally work with pre-funding and/or pre-revenue companies. It's only PIE consumer that works with post-those. But we're not a consumer company. Does that disqualify us?
What is the rate of companies that apply vs. companies that get accepted in the program?