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Sputnik ATX

We back bold founders outside Silicon Valley and help them go from gritty to great.Once we invest, you join us in Austin, TX for 13 high-intensity, in-person weeks.

Austin, TX, USA

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Description

Sputnik ATX VC is an Austin, Texas-based venture capital firm and accelerator that backs early-stage founders (“maker-founders”) with capital, sales/traction training, mentorship, and ecosystem connectivity. Through its 13-week accelerator, companies relocate to Austin, receive structured support, and are equipped to grow, close sales, and raise further funding from follow-on investors. Companies typically receive a $100K SAFE investment with optional follow-on capital up to $400K in total from Sputnik ATX.

Eligibility

• Early stage, MVP-equipped startups with at least one customer.
• Founder teams (“makers”) who build their own product/service.
• Open to a broad range of industries (industry-agnostic).
• Geographic flexibility in application, but on-site Austin presence required during the accelerator program.

Process

  1. Application & Screening: Startups with an MVP and at least one customer apply via Sputnik ATX’s application portal (often hosted on Gust). 

  2. Selection & Investment Terms: Selected teams agree to Sputnik ATX’s SAFE investment terms (no negotiation on cap/discount). 

  3. 13-Week Accelerator: Founders relocate (must be within ~300 miles of Austin) to participate in intensive training focused on selling, traction, customer engagement, and growth. 

  4. Demo & Funding Exposure: The cohort culminates in pitch opportunities and introductions to potential follow-on backers. 

  5. Optional Follow-On Investment: Sputnik ATX may deploy additional follow-on capital (up to ~$400K) as milestones are met and future rounds form. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

✔ $100K SAFE investment at admission.
✔ Potential for additional follow-on funding (up to ~$400K from the fund).
✔ 13-week in-person accelerator experience with mentoring, sales/traction curriculum, and growth support.
✔ Connections to VC and investor networks for follow-on rounds.
✔ Ecosystem support and cohort community within Austin’s startup scene.