Process

• 1Apply Application window opens 4 months before new cycle deadline

  To join Flat6Labs, you have to apply online to join Flat6Labs Cairo program. We then have a multiple stage screening process involving our top applicants in order to find the best candidates to join our program.

  
  
  
• 2Interviews 8 weeks before cycle starts

  We receive hundreds of applications every cycle.  Once all applications have been submitted, our internal management team reviews every application carefully (using a defined framework we have created) and selects the best applicants to be called in for a 30-60 minute interview.  We go deeper into learning about the founders – who they are, why are they building a company, how well do they know their market, what problem do they want to solve.

  
  
  
• 3Bootcamp 5 weeks before cycle starts and bootcamp lasts for 5 days

  Based on all the previous stages, we bring down the 100+ founding teams to about 20.  We then require each of the selected teams to attend a 5-day bootcamp.  This bootcamp is designed as an intensive workshop for each team to work on developing and testing their idea further and for us to better understand their business in more detail.  It also serves as a very important filter for identifying founders who we believe have what it takes to “make it in the real world.”

  
  
  
• 4Selection Committee 4 weeks before cycle starts

  By the end of the 5-day bootcamp, each team presents in front of the selection committee who then select the final teams to be accepted into the cycle.  The selection committee is a diverse group of partners, industry experts, entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors all from our close network who come out with the final “go/no go” decision on each team.

  
  
  
• 5Company Registration Right after selection

  This is where the selection process ends and we start the on-boarding process which includes signing term papers, company registration, legal agreements, and lightweight due diligence.  We help handle this entire process for each selected team, making sure that every document is standard and extremely entrepreneur friendly.  After this point, you are ready to begin operating as a fully-fledged incorporated business.

  
  
  
• 6Cycle Program Each cycle lasts 4 months

  This is where the cycle begins and each team works restlessly over the next 4 months developing their core business model, building a prototype, and acquiring customers.  During the cycle, each team has full and unlimited access to our overarching network of mentors, investors, consultants, experts, as well as well as the privilege to use our office space, network of mentors, consultants, investors, business education workshops, training sessions, perks program and more.

  
  
  
• 7Demo Day Marks the end of the cycle. Takes place 4 months after the cycle starts

  Demo Day is an invite-only event held at the end of every cycle, and is generally the first opportunity for investors to meet the promising startups.  After 3 long months of sweat, tears, pivoting and acceleration, the teams are ready to pitch in a room full of accredited VC’s, angels, investors, entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and the media.

  
  
  
• 8Grow After the cycle ends

  After DemoDay, only the best companies move on to receive follow-on funding.  Flat6Labs staff helps teams secure funding by providing them with further assistance with their financials and linking them to more investors.  Although teams can no longer work from our office after Demo Day, every startup remains part of the Flat6Labs network with continuous access to our mentor network, support, perks, workshops and more.