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 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 fresh 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 both creators and startups, Starfish is building a reimagined ecosystem of content development and distribution that holds the promise of disrupting 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 believe in empowering visionaries like you with more than just financial backing. Our comprehensive ecosystem of support is designed to equip you 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.
01
What We Offer
Bespoke Financial Support: Tailored funding to meet your project's unique needs.
Expert-Led Workshops: Gain critical insights on IP rights, business strategy, and audience engagement.
"Creative Village" Mentorship: Connect with industry experts for personalized guidance.
02
A Bespoke Funding Approach
Initial seed micro-grants for MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development
Performance-based follow-on grants and investments to support expansion and scaling
03
Key Features
Pre-MVP 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 carefully 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 comprehensive support expertise across four crucial dimensions
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)