AI Residency

A NYC-based startup residency, investing in teams building human-centered AI products that move the world forward.

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The Future is Being Written Today

The tech industry is at an inflection point. Just as mobile reshaped computing in the 2000s, AI is redrawing the creative canvas. Right now, small teams are shaping what AI will mean for the next decade. At AIR, we are helping those founders lead the way.

Backed by Collaborative Fund and in partnership with Fictive Kin, AIR is a 10-week program in New York City. We back founders building AI products that feel new, human, and deeply personal—whether they reach users directly or through enterprise applications. More than capital, we offer a creative space where intent matters more than scale, and taste is a competitive edge. If that appeals to you, apply for our next cohort or read about Cohort One.

Program Snapshot

  • Investment tailored to your company stage, targeting $500k uncapped SAFE with MFN (with flexibility to up/downsize) for companies who have already raised venture capital
  • 10 weeks in New York City
  • Workshops, feedback sessions, and 1:1s with experts
  • Creative workspace with likeminded community
  • Tailored support, from investor speed runs to GTM strategies

Have more questions? Jump to FAQ.

Advisors

  • Scott Belsky

    Partner, A24; Founder, Author, Investor

  • Alejandro Matamala Ortiz

    Co-founder/CDO, RunwayML

  • Paula Scher

    Partner, Pentagram

  • Ian Taylor

    Co-founder, Segment

  • Reggie James

    Founder, Eternal

  • Jessica Hische

    Designer, Author, Founder

  • Russ Maschmeyer

    Design Director, GenAI, Meta

  • Pim De Witte

    Co-founder/CEO, Highlight

  • Kristy Tillman

    Designer and Investor

  • Carl Rivera

    VP Product, Shopify

  • Rob Giampietro

    Head of Creative, Notion

  • Josh Brewer

    VP of Design, Jasper AI

  • Kevin Twohy

    Founder & Principal, Twohy Design Works

  • Daren Gill

    Senior Director, Product, Spotify

  • Lee Linden

    Founder, Quiet Capital

  • Dwipal Desai

    Product Lead, AI Innovation, Google

  • Emmett Shine

    Founder, Little Plains

Our Beliefs

  1. Design will be the differentiator

    Execution is no longer scarce. Creativity is. While others obsess over model parameters and benchmarks, the winners will be crafting narratives and experiences that resonate at a human level. Teams with exceptional design sensibility, brand clarity, and storytelling ability will create the enduring companies of this era.

  2. Depth is the new scale

    Tomorrow’s breakout products won’t just serve more people, they’ll serve people more meaningfully. Products will feel tailor-made for each individual because, increasingly, they will be. These intimate user experiences will create rich emotional connections. Eames’ Powers of Ten provides a helpful reminder of just how much potential lies with zooming in.

  3. A new playbook is being written

    People are going to be looking for new, novel product experiences that have AI as their foundation, not just drizzled on top. It’s unclear what interfaces, interactions, and modalities will make up these experiences. But if history is any indicator, the designs that gain traction in the next couple of years, will likely determine the shape of AI-first products for years to come. At AIR, we will be writing this new playbook together.

  4. Don’t believe incumbents. Everything can be re-invented.

    It doesn’t matter what existing companies say. It doesn’t matter how confidently they seem to be tracking the progress of AI. They do not have the advantage.

    The future belongs to those with fresh ideas, who are unburdened by the past, and will build with AI as the foundation of the entire experience. There is no software used today that cannot be completely re-imagined and re-invented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the terms?

We make investments tailored to each company’s stage and funding needs, typically ranging from pre-seed to Series B stage investments. Both our core program and EIR track come with full access to the AIR program, advisors, and community. We’ll discuss specific terms based on your company’s situation.

What is the EIR track, and who is it for?

Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) are typically earlier-stage founders or talented builders who bring value to the cohort while developing their own ideas. EIRs receive investment appropriate to their stage, with full access to our community, space, programming, and advisors.

What stage is a fit?

From formation to later-stage teams. If you’re shipping—or close—you’re likely a fit. We run a startup track and an EIR track for exceptional individual builders.

Do I need to be in NYC?

Not required, but encouraged. You’ll get the most from in-person product sessions, events, and day-to-day collisions. We work with remote teams when needed.

Can I apply as a solo founder?

Absolutely. We welcome solo founders with strong product instincts and a clear point of view.

Will I keep my IP?

Yes, you retain 100% ownership of your intellectual property.

Is follow-on funding available beyond the initial investment?

Yes. Collaborative Fund is committed to supporting high-potential companies beyond the residency and may provide follow-on syndication support throughout your fundraising journey.

How many team members can participate?

We welcome multiple founding team members, though we’ll focus primarily on CXOs and key technical/product leaders. As space will be limited, participation will be tailored to each company.

What does a typical program week look like?

Expect 2–3 hours of programming a week: workshops, master classes, private dinners, investor roundtables, product crit sessions , and deep time with top advisors. We keep the schedule focused so you can prioritize building.

What happens after the program ends?

You’ll join our alumni network, with continued access to advisors, investors, and peer founders. We stay in your corner as you grow and can support with follow-on funding when it makes sense.

What are AIR's core objectives?

We focus on four key outcomes:

  1. Helping you achieve a tenfold improvement in the quality, humanity, and emotional impact of your product
  2. Positioning you to unlock future customers and capital
  3. Providing distribution strategies that connect you with the right users
  4. Building a lasting community of builders navigating AI together

How can I get in touch?

For other questions, you can reach us at air@collabfund.com. You can also follow us on X, Instagram, and Substack. Want event updates? Subscribe here.