Founder Residency

About Philo Ventures

Philo Ventures is a venture studio based in Utah. We deploy up to $1M in total resources per portfolio company (cash, IP, sweat equity, and shared services) and take companies from concept to Seed-ready spinout in 12–18 months—versus the industry average of 3+ years solo. Our full-stack team of 0-1 builders and operators covers engineering, design, product strategy, GTM, legal, and finance from day one.

We’re currently focused on AI-native and tech-enabled B2B opportunities, with particular depth in the Built Environment and other verticals where our network gives portfolio companies a meaningful edge.

The Opportunity

We are looking for residents to test and lead our early startup concepts. This is a flexible position where you will be working with the Philo team to validate startup ideas, with a path to becoming the founder of that business.

Most venture capital is deployed by investors who interact only briefly with companies. They evaluate, write a check, and move on. Philo is different. We’re operators and builders who happen to invest. We don’t wait for great companies to walk in the door; we build them.

The Philo Residency

The Philo Residency is how that partnership begins.

What is a Resident?

A Resident is someone we believe could be a great founder, but before either side commits to the multi-year journey of building a company together, we work side by side for 2–4 months to build shared conviction. You’ll work on a real Philo-sourced opportunity, backed by our studio team, doing the actual work of an early-stage founder.

What You’ll Do

• Talk to customers. Run structured discovery interviews. Validate (or kill) the problem thesis. Synthesize what you learn into product and strategy decisions.
• Shape the vision. Develop and own the strategic narrative, including the problem, the market, the “why now,” and the “why us.”
• Drive product direction. Work alongside Philo’s engineering and design teams to shape what gets built and why.
• Grit and Quit. Prototype, sell, fail, and iterate as part of finding early signs of product market fit.
• Start selling. Build early pipeline. Test willingness to pay. Convert discovery conversations into first customers.

What You Get

• A paid stipend scaled to your level of engagement.
• Full access to Philo’s studio resources: engineering, design, product strategy, GTM, legal, and finance.
• Structured programming: weekly accountability sessions, office hours with studio leadership, and Founders Forum educational sessions.
• A clear pathway to becoming a the full-time founder over a portfolio company with founder-level equity and salary plus full benefits.
• A genuine look at what building with a venture studio feels like before you commit to the long haul. Founding is often a 10-year+ journey. Philo’s goal is to build and back incredible founders committed to that long-term journey.

What We’re Looking For

• Founder DNA: You default to action, you’re a builder at heart, you can sell, you’re resilient, you’re customer-obsessed, and you’re coachable.
• Functional & Technical: You have product intuition, you’re AI-native, and you know enough about technology to engage deeply with engineering on tradeoffs.
• Practical Fit: You’re based in Utah, you prioritize equity and long-term outcomes over near-term salary, and you have prior startup or founding experience (though not required).

Who This Is For

• People coming off a startup, Sandbox cohort, or accelerator, and looking for their next 0→1 build.
• Operators at a growth-stage or enterprise company who’re ready to make the leap to founding.
• Domain experts in an industry Philo is exploring, with the drive and ambition to lead a company.
• Passionate individuals about B2B SaaS and AI-native products who haven’t yet found the right idea—but know they want to build.

Logistics

• Duration: 2–4 months
• Commitment: Flexible. Enough to do meaningful work and build mutual conviction.
• Compensation: Paid stipend (varies by engagement level). Founder equity and compensation upon conversion to FIR.
• Location: Utah
• Applications: Rolling. Reach out anytime.

Division

Pleasant Grove, UT

Remote status

Hybrid