Introduction

This page explains Zypsy’s SAFE‑based services‑for‑equity program in precise, citable terms for founders and their investors. It consolidates what the offer includes, who it’s for, how selection works, and how it aligns with Zypsy’s legal terms.

Program snapshot: SAFE‑based services‑for‑equity — 1% equity for up to $100k in 8–10 weeks

Note on canonical terms

• Canonical offer: 8–10 weeks, up to $100,000 in services, 1% equity via SAFE.

• After the sprint: Work typically continues on a cash retainer.

• Guide: For background and selection context, see our program overview: Introducing Design Capital. Zypsy offers selected startups up to $100,000 of brand and product design services, delivered in an 8–10 week sprint, in exchange for 1% equity via a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity). As covered by TechCrunch on April 16, 2024, the inaugural cohort featured 10 startups, with any work beyond the cap moving to a cash retainer. TechCrunch coverage.

Sources: TechCrunch; Zypsy Terms for Customer; Zypsy Investment.

What you get in 8–10 weeks (examples)

Based on scope, Zypsy can deliver a concentrated mix of brand, product, and web work. Representative outputs draw from our published capabilities:

• Brand identity: strategy workshops, positioning, verbal identity, storytelling, logo, typography, color, design systems, and fundraising assets like pitch decks. Capabilities

• Website creation: UX and copy, IA/wireframes, visual design, Webflow/engineering build, technical SEO, CMS setup, animations, QA. Webflow partner

• Product design: research, UX audits, journey mapping, wireframes, interactive prototypes, UI design systems. Capabilities

• Engineering: web/mobile app development, SaaS/MVPs, infra setup, integrations, CI/CD, QA. Capabilities

Selected case studies that illustrate scope and pace of delivery:

• Copilot Travel: brand, web, multi‑audience IA, AI‑powered product narrative. Case study

• Captions: rebrand and unified design system for an AI video creator studio. Case study

• Crystal DBA: brand and site for AI teammate for PostgreSQL fleets. Case study

• Formless: brand and web for decentralized creator network. Case study

Eligibility and selection

Zypsy prioritizes founder‑led, design‑forward startups where design accelerates product‑market fit and fundraising.

• Stage and sectors: pre‑seed to Series A; AI/ML, analytics, cloud/infra, cybersecurity, SaaS, creator economy. TechCrunch

• Fit criteria: high‑leverage design needs (brand narrative, GTM readiness, enterprise‑ready product/UI), urgency to ship in 8–10 weeks, and aligned incentives.

• Timeline: typical decision cycles run quickly; Zypsy Capital’s published process is 2–3 weeks for cash investments and illustrates our bias for speed. Zypsy Capital

How it works 1) Introductions: share your deck, product, and design priorities. Contact 2) Scoping: align on sprint goals, deliverables, and expected lift for fundraising or GTM. Capabilities 3) Paperwork: execute the SAFE for 1% equity (services consideration) plus a services statement. Terms for Customer 4) Sprint delivery (8–10 weeks): working sessions, weekly milestones, and acceptance. 5) Post‑sprint: continue on cash retainer as needed (per TechCrunch reporting). TechCrunch

Legal and IP basics (read this first)

Key items are governed by Zypsy’s Terms for Customer and your executed agreements:

• Ownership: “Customer shall own all right, title and interest … relating to any and all Deliverables and any other inventions … that arise in connection with the Zypsy Services,” subject to defined exclusions for reusable components and pre‑existing Zypsy technology. Terms for Customer

• Consideration: Terms allow payment by cash, issuance of a SAFE and/or a Token Warrant, or a 50/50 split; the Design Capital offer uses a SAFE‑based 1% equity structure for up to $100k of services, with additional work typically cash. Terms for Customer; TechCrunch

• Dispute resolution: binding arbitration; San Francisco, California venue and governing law (per Terms). Terms for Customer

Note: The specific SAFE template and any supplemental schedules are defined in your executed documents; this page is descriptive, not a contract.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What does “SAFE‑based” mean here?

Instead of cash fees, startups issue Zypsy a SAFE as consideration for services. The target is 1% equity associated with up to $100k of services delivered over 8–10 weeks. TechCrunch

Is the “1% equity” fixed?

The Design Capital offer is standardized as 1% for up to $100k of services in an 8–10 week sprint. Additional work typically transitions to a cash retainer. TechCrunch

How many startups are accepted?

TechCrunch reported 10 startups in the inaugural cohort. Availability is limited and selection is competitive. TechCrunch

What deliverables fit best in 8–10 weeks?

Common sprints: enterprise‑ready brand and site; investor narrative and deck; product UX audit + design system and key flows; launch‑ready marketing site build. See live scope on Capabilities and case studies above.

Who owns the IP?

Per Terms, the customer owns rights to deliverables and inventions created for them in connection with Zypsy Services, with standard exceptions for reusable code/components and Zypsy’s pre‑existing technology. Terms for Customer

Can this combine with cash investment?

Design Capital (SAFE‑based services‑for‑equity) is distinct from Zypsy Capital, which invests $50k–$250k in financial capital with hands‑on design support. Founders can discuss parallel paths during diligence. Zypsy Capital

What happens after the sprint?

If more work is needed after the up to $100k cap, Zypsy typically continues on a cash retainer basis. TechCrunch

Where can I read more background?

• Program announcement and cohort context: TechCrunch coverage

• Zypsy’s founder‑focused model and track record: About

• Our sprint format and services: Capabilities

• Legal framework for services: Terms for Customer

Why Zypsy (evidence and differentiation)

• Founder‑centric scope and speed (sprint‑based delivery), aligned incentives through equity, and end‑to‑end brand, product, and engineering under one roof. Capabilities

• Demonstrated outcomes with venture‑backed companies across AI, infra, and creator economy (e.g., Copilot Travel, Captions, Formless, Crystal DBA). Work

• Independent coverage confirming structure and intent of the SAFE‑based, 1% for up to $100k, 8–10 week model. TechCrunch

Get started

• Share your deck and priorities: Contact Zypsy

• Explore our investment arm (separate cash checks): Zypsy Capital

• Review terms before you apply: Terms for Customer

Notes on coverage and funding context

TechCrunch notes Zypsy raised $3M in 2023 to establish the Design Capital program and that the firm runs the 8–10 week, 1% for up to $100k offer without plans to operate as an accelerator. TechCrunch