Funding
$100,000 USD
- $100,000 USD funding through a SAFE note
- Quit your job and focus full-time on building
- Potential follow-on investment from Lifelike Capital
ikigai Launchpad
ikigai Launchpad is the flagship accelerator run by 886 Studios. $100K USD, mentor office hours, investor intros, and support beyond the batch. From refining their vision to building lasting connections, we help founders move their companies forward. Join us in Taipei.
What founders get
Hands-on support
1-on-1 Weekly Mentor Office Hours
- Founder-Led Workshops
- Guest Speakers
- Warm Introductions + Investor Matching
- Exclusive Corporate Perks
Community
Work alongside other founders
- Free Office Space in Taipei
- Team Building
- Networking & Founder Events
- Support beyond the 10-week timeframe
What we look for
Founders building for a global market.
- Industry
- Industry-agnostic, as long as the market is large and global enough to support a category-defining company.
- Stage
- Early. From friends-and-family through pre-seed and seed, including teams still moving from idea to MVP.
- Commitment
- Founders should be working full-time, or ready to work full-time, and able to join the batch in Taipei.
- Team
- A co-founder is not required, but the company needs credible technical or domain capability on the founding team.
- Mindset
- Hungry, coachable, adaptable, and ready to act on candid feedback
Applications
Build with ikigai Launchpad.
The next ikigai Launchpad batch will take place in Spring 2027. Application dates and the deadline will be announced later.
Application timeline
- To be announced
- Application dates
- No current deadline
- Application deadline
- Spring 2027
- Next batch
Application process
- 1Submit Application
- 2Application Review
- 31st Interview
- 42nd Interview
Testimonials
From our founders.
Jimmy HuangPicPet
Julia Cheungfootnotes
Sylvie LiuDentscape
Ser En LowMecenia / Sendjoy
Shirley ChenPreciser
Exclusive Perks
Access partner perks through ikigai Launchpad.
Engineering
Productivity
Finances
Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next batch?
The next batch is Spring 2027. Application dates and the deadline have not been announced yet.
What are the investment terms?
The standard deal is a $100,000 USD investment for 8% through a SAFE. Follow-on investment from Lifelike Capital may also be available.
Do I need to attend in person in Taipei?
Yes. The program takes place in Taipei, and all co-founders are expected to attend the core program in person. Office space is provided for the full 10 weeks.
Which stages and industries do you invest in?
We invest across industries in early-stage companies, from friends-and-family through pre-seed and seed. Your market needs to be large and global enough to support a category-defining company.
Can founders outside Taiwan apply?
Yes. We welcome founders from anywhere in the world.
What language are the interviews and program conducted in?
All interviews and the entire program are conducted in English.
Do I need to incorporate before applying?
No. You do not need a legal entity in Taiwan or elsewhere to apply. If accepted, you will typically need to set up a US entity to receive funding.
Is there a program fee in addition to the equity?
No. There is no additional program fee beyond the SAFE investment terms.
How long is the program?
The program runs for 10 weeks. It includes in-person working sessions, office hours, workshops, community activities, fundraising support, and investor matching.
Do I need a co-founder?
No. You can apply as a solo founder.
Do I need a technical background?
Non-technical founders can apply. You should show credible technical capability on your founding team and a clear plan for building the product.
Can I apply if I have already raised funding?
Yes. Founders who have already raised capital can apply.
How are 886 Studios and ikigai Launchpad related?
886 Studios is the venture firm that runs ikigai Launchpad, our accelerator program.
What happens after the program ends?
Support continues after the 10-week program. We provide introductions, resources, and help building your company based on your stage and funding needs. The founder community also stays active beyond the batch.
How should I prepare for the first interview?
Your first interview with us lasts 20 minutes. You do not need a pitch deck. Read the Interview Guidebook before we meet.
Who can I contact with another question?
Contact us if your question isn’t covered here.
Also available
Explore Launch Station →Launch Station
886 Studios’ invitation-only, 90-day builder residency in Taipei. Rolling entry, free office space, startup perks, and community. No cost or equity.