What exactly is the Stacks Foundry?

The Stacks Foundry is a private, invitation-only system of programs that support founders at different stages of building on Bitcoin via Stacks. It’s not a single program — it’s multiple pathways designed to meet founders exactly where they are.

Is the Foundry the same as the Stacks Endowment?

No. The Stacks Endowment is the broader organization that manages grants and other programs. The Foundry is one of its key initiatives, specifically focused on founder support and success.

How is the Foundry different from the Grants program?

Grants provide capital to support specific projects or ideas. The Foundry provides hands-on support, mentorship, and ecosystem access to help founders execute and grow. You can receive both grants and Foundry support, but they are separate programs with different purposes.

Is the Foundry selective?

Very. The Foundry prioritizes quality over quantity. We work with a small number of teams at a time to ensure depth of support and meaningful peer relationships. Spaces are intentionally limited.

How selective is each program?

Each program has its own selectivity:

• Validate: Open for any builder serious about launching a Bitcoin product (larger cohort, early stage)
• Accelerate: Selective (medium cohort, proven execution)
• Onboard: Highly selective (small cohort, proven product and traction)
• Scale: Extremely selective (invitation-only, proven founders)

Can I apply to multiple programs at once?

It’s possible, but not recommended. We recommend identifying the program that best matches your stage and applying there. If there’s uncertainty about fit, reach out and we can help determine the right program.