Introducing the focal founder residency

This winter, we’re bringing together 10 hardcore AI builders for an exclusive residency in Miami with all the firepower of a top accelerator without the heavy dilution!

This week, my writing is slightly different - rather than diving in on startup insights, I’m thrilled to finally share our new initiative for technical founders who are just getting started

The 3+ month residency - hosted in partnership with The LAB Miami - is hyper selective (10 startups only), highly intense (6+ days / week in office) and fully in person (Miami relocation required / costs offset).

Plus you get mentored by unicorn founders including Digital Ocean ($4B NYSE), Mural ($2B), Papa ($1B), vLex (acquired for $1B), Quicknode ($1B), Spotnana ($1B), and many more.

The best part: There’s no “too early” - apply with nothing more than your drive to build a venture scale company, your idea, and the ability to ship exceptional products at breakneck speed.

Applications just opened - apply at focal.vc/residency to start in Jan 2026!

PS: To refer brilliant builders, shoot me a note to residency@focal.vc and I’ll prioritize their application.

Could I ask you for a HUGE favor so more builders see this?

Here are 2 quick ways you could help us in a big way (takes < 1 min):

1. Engage: Like and comment on our launch posts: LinkedIn post | X post

2. Share: Repost with a note along the lines of:

   Highly recommend joining the focal founder residency in Miami this winter where you get all the benefits of a top accelerator without the dilution.

   
   Apply at focal.vc/residency and ping me for a referral.

Thank you, really appreciate your help,

Pascal