Now OpenRolling Admissions

Foundry Program

Venture Builder Program by Pixel8Labs

A venture builder program for Pixel8Labs people and select external talent — backed by real resources, with real ownership.

What is the Foundry?

A builder program by Pixel8Labs

Ideas are developed from within, funded by Pixel8Labs, and co-owned by the people who build them. No outside investors to pitch before you've started — just clear structure, real resources, and a genuine stake in what you build.

01

Funded by Pixel8Labs

No need to self-fund or quit your job. Pixel8Labs backs the idea from day one.

02

Real Ownership for Builders

Equity or profit-share terms documented and agreed before the first sprint begins.

Who Can Apply

Open to builders

Got an idea worth building? Submit a proposal. We back who we believe in. You start immediately.

A Proposal Worth Backing

Doesn't need to be perfect — but it needs to be thought through.

Part of Pixel8Labs or Our University Partners

Internal team members or students entering through our university partners — ITB, UI, or UMN.

Ready to Commit Real Time

Not a side project — real build time, real commitment.

What Builders Get

Everything you need to execute

Dedicated Build Time

Ring-fenced from day-to-day work. Not a side project — you build during work hours, with full focus.

Full Infrastructure Access

Client network, design, corpsec, finance, legal, growth support. You build; Pixel8Labs handles the rest.

Compensation from Day One

Salary-based benefit confirmed upon selection. Always compensated for your time.

Real Equity or Profit-Share

A genuine stake in what you build — documented before the first sprint. No vague promises.

Mentorship & Investor Access

Guided by Pixel8Labs leadership and advisors. Direct access to an established investor network.

Fail-Safe Structure

If the venture doesn't work out, you still have your role at Pixel8Labs. No career risk — just upside.

How to Apply

A strong proposal is all you need

Submit at any time — no fixed cohort windows. Your proposal should cover these six areas.

01

Problem & Opportunity

What problem, for whom, and why now? Size the market.

02

Solution

What are you building and how defensible is it?

03

Business Model

How does it make money? Rough unit economics?

04

Go-to-Market

First customer, channel, unfair advantage?

05

Roadmap

First 90 days + 12-month milestones?

06

The Builder

Why you? What experience, skills, or relationships do you bring?

No required format — document, deck, or write-up. Quality of reasoning matters, not format.

What Happens Next

Three paths

Every venture reaches a clear outcome — decided together by leadership and the builder.

Best case
01

Spin Out

Pixel8Labs remains providing continued support as the company scales.

Equity Treatment

Real equity formalized in new entity

Strong outcome
02

Integrate

Idea absorbed into Pixel8Labs core business. The builder receives recognition and a bonus structure.

Equity Treatment

Equity converted to bonus or profit-share

Safe exit
03

Park

Idea shelved, documented. No equity retained; learning is the event.

Equity Treatment

No equity retained

Ready to build?

Submit your proposal — no deadlines, no fixed windows. Just a clear idea and the drive to build it.

foundry@pixel8labs.com