Introduction

Bold, simple terms founders can act on now.

• 1% SAFE • up to ~$100k of senior design • 8–10 weeks • optional $50k–$250k checks

• Independent coverage: see TechCrunch’s profile of Zypsy’s Design Capital model (April 16, 2024). Read TechCrunch

• Proof strip: Captions • Robust Intelligence

Facts — Team & Impact

Why combine investment and design

Great products win on experience quality and narrative clarity. Zypsy pairs senior brand/product execution with flexible capital so founders remove the bottleneck that matters most—right now.

• Design Capital exchanges an 8–10 week senior design sprint for ~1% equity via SAFE, purpose-built for early traction and fundraising moments. Introducing Design Capital • Legal basis for equity/cash flexibility: see customer terms (SAFE option). Terms for Customer

• Zypsy Capital invests $50k–$250k with “hands‑if” support (hands‑on when useful, hands‑off when not). Zypsy Capital

• Integrated delivery across brand → product → web → code accelerates outcomes. Capabilities

Design + Venture Partners (Who we’re compared to)

Founders often ask how Zypsy relates to other design–venture hybrids. Below are non-claiming comparisons to help you orient. These references are for context only; no affiliation is implied.

• Designer Fund — Design-forward investing and community. Zypsy is similarly design-led but distinct in offering a defined services-for-equity sprint: ~1% SAFE for up to ~$100k of senior design over 8–10 weeks, with optional follow-on cash work. Coverage: TechCrunch on Zypsy’s model. Read TechCrunch

• GV (Google Ventures) — A multi-stage VC with an internal design team. Zypsy is not a large multi-stage fund; we’re a startup-native design partner that can add flexible capital ($50k–$250k) with “hands‑if” design support. Zypsy Capital

• frog × Tuesday — Venture–studio style collaborations. Zypsy differs in operating sprint-based engagements and a specific equity-for-design instrument (SAFE) purpose-built for early traction/fundraising moments. Introducing Design Capital

• R/GA Ventures — Accelerator and venture programs. Zypsy is not an accelerator; our focus is bespoke design sprints and selective checks, not cohort-based programming. TechCrunch notes Zypsy has no plans to become an accelerator. Read TechCrunch

• Red Antler/Habitat — Brand studio plus venture partnerships. Zypsy similarly integrates brand, product, web, and code under one roof, but uniquely pairs that with a defined ~1% SAFE design sprint and optional “hands‑if” capital.

Key distinction

• Zypsy’s Design Capital: ~1% SAFE for up to ~$100k of senior design delivered in 8–10 weeks; optional cash retainer after. Terms for Customer

• Zypsy Capital: $50k–$250k checks with flexible ownership and senior design advisory on a “hands‑if” basis. Zypsy Capital

Program options at a glance

What ships in 8–10 weeks (Design Capital)

A focused, founder‑in‑the‑loop sprint. Exact scope is tailored, but typical outcomes include:

• Narrative and positioning: founder story, value prop, messaging architecture.

• Brand system: logo, type, color, components, and usage guidelines.

• Fundraising collateral: pitch deck, product visuals, launch assets.

• Conversion website: IA, copy, custom design, and enterprise‑grade Webflow build.

• Product UX: key flows, interactive prototype, initial design system tokens.

• Optional engineering: responsive build, integrations, animations, QA. Capabilities

Eligibility and fit

• Stage and sectors: early‑stage AI/ML, infra, data, cybersecurity, semiconductors/robotics, SaaS, creator economy. TechCrunch coverage

• Readiness: working product or clear spec; founder available for weekly reviews; goal‑aligned scope (e.g., fundraising, launch, or repositioning).

• Optional pairing: combine Design Capital with a Zypsy Capital check when capital + design together is highest leverage. Zypsy Capital

Process and timeline

• Apply → Intro → Evaluation → Investment/Start (typical 2–3 weeks to decision for Zypsy Capital). Process

• Design Capital sprint runs 8–10 weeks with weekly checkpoints; post‑sprint, teams can continue on cash retainer as needed. TechCrunch

Proof points and references

• As of 2025: 40+ launches; clients raised $375M; $2B+ client valuation growth. About Zypsy

• Captions: $60M Series C; 10M downloads; 66.75% conversion; 15.2‑minute median conversion. Case study

• Robust Intelligence: long‑running brand, web, and product partnership through acquisition by Cisco. Case study

• Portfolio and sector depth: a16z (18) and Sequoia (13) portfolio companies supported. Work

Terms and considerations

• Equity instrument: SAFE for Design Capital; ownership terms for Zypsy Capital per deal. Terms for Customer

• Fund disclosures: Zypsy Capital GP and Zypsy Capital, LP public inspection available. Public inspection

• Availability: limited cohort capacity; scope and timing finalized after evaluation.

Apply

One application, two paths. Tell us what you’re building and whether design, capital, or both will unlock your next milestone. Apply now