OUR MODEL
Partner - Build - Grow
What Makes Us Unique
At Starfish, we recognize that each visionary's journey is unique. That's why we've developed a bespoke model that adapts to the individual needs of mid-career artist-entrepreneurs and media-tech startups. Our approach is designed to nurture creativity, foster innovation, and unlock untapped markets.
What Sets Us Apart
Radical Ownership: We empower creators to keep control of their ideas and creations.
Innovation-Focused: We invest in game-changing technologies and models of content creation and distribution.
Community-Driven: We foster connections between creators, startups, and their audiences.
Rooted in radical
ownership—
community—
and fandom.
“By investing in creators and startups, Starfish is building a reimagined ecosystem of content development and distribution that disrupts the culture industry, paving the way for a more inclusive and representative industry built on the pillars of equity, creativity, and financial viability.”
MAHYAD TOUSI - FOUNDER OF STARFISH
OUR PROCESS
A Hybrid Funding Approach
At Starfish, we empower visionaries with more than just financial backing. Our ecosystem of support is designed to equip artists and founders with the resources, knowledge, and connections needed to build career-defining ventures that reshape storytelling, making, and distribution. This strategy allows participants to scale their projects realistically while maintaining autonomy and adaptability.
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What We Offer
Bespoke Financial Support: Tailored funding for mid-career artists & entrepreneurs to meet each project's unique needs
Expert-Led Workshops: Critical insights on IP rights, business strategy, and audience engagement
"Creative Village" Mentorship: Connect with industry experts for personalized guidance
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A Bespoke Funding Approach
Seed Grants - Initial funding to develop your direct-to-market work or MVP (proof of concept)
Performance-Based Follow-on Funding - Additional grants and investments tied to key milestones you set, helping take your MVP to the next level and supporting project expansion
Our funding strategy is customized for each project. The total support available through seed and follow-on grants is up to $50,000 per project
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Key Features
Creative Village
Pre-MVP Seed Grants
Post-MVP Investments or Recoupable Grants
Follow-on Funding or Investment Tied to KPIs
Low-Touch
Flexibility to Pivot
Creative Village
A cornerstone of our support model, the Creative Village is designed to nurture and empower innovative projects. This unique mentorship network connects artists and founders with a curated team of seasoned professionals.
Key Features of the Creative Village
A team of 3-4 mentors tailored to each project's specific needs
Personalized support in critical areas such as business strategy, go-to-market planning, community building, fan engagement, and creative direction
Artist and founder-led approach, ensuring that support aligns with the creator's vision
Comprehensive Support Across Four Crucial Dimensions
We ask grantees to identify key needs and potential mentors where they feel they need expertise across four areas.
Issue: A mentor versed in the social issue at the heart of the project (e.g., immigration, climate change)
Format/Technology: An expert in the project's primary medium or technological platform (e.g., mobile apps, web platforms, podcasts, films, interactive experiences)
Community/Market: A specialist in audience engagement or market analysis, focusing on the project's potential user base, community building, and strategic partnerships
Sector or Content Expertise: A professional with deep knowledge of the project's specific sector (e.g., medium, format, or genre for creative projects, and content creation tools, direct-to-consumer platforms, Web3 applications for startups)