We bet on founders. Not just budgets.
We bet on founders. Not just budgets.
The Stateless Incubator
Over the past decade, Stateless has helped launch more than 500 apparel brands. Along the way, we have met a lot of founders with a sharp point of view, real hustle, and a launch budget that had not yet caught up to their vision. These are founders we knew could build something if the upfront economics of a proper launch were not standing in the way. The Stateless Incubator exists for them.
A few times a year, we select a small number of founders and launch their brands as partners, not just clients. We reduce your upfront investment and put our own margin at risk. In return, we share in your revenue as your brand grows. We only fully get paid when you get paid.
This is not a lighter version of working with Stateless. You get the same team, the same process, and the same standards that our full service clients get. What is different is the deal and the commitment we ask of you.
How it Works
Apply
Tell us about your brand concept, your background, and where you are in your journey. We look for founders with a distinct point of view, and the drive to withstand the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Pitch
Selected applicants pitch directly to Stateless Co-Founder & CEO Stefanie Tacata and our leadership team.
Launch together
If accepted, you will work with the full Stateless team to develop and launch your brand.
The Partnership
We believe founders deserve straight answers, so here's exactly what the Incubator involves:
A defined launch scope. Accepted brands can access the full range of Stateless services - branding, marketing, product development, production, and e-commerce. At minimum, you'll work with our brand and apparel teams on your core brand identity and at least 3 apparel styles.
Shared upside. Stateless develops and launches your brand at significantly reduced margins - that reduction is our investment in you. After launch, we receive a percentage of your gross revenue until a set amount is earned. There's no equity involved - your brand and product IP stay 100% yours.
Selection by pitch. Admission requires an application and a pitch. Come prepared with a presentation that includes market research and a compelling case for why your brand will succeed.
Is the Incubator right for you?
The Incubator is built for you if:
You have capital for essentials, but not enough to surround yourself with the expert team your vision deserves to launch successfully and reach proof of concept
Your idea fills a white space - it solves a problem, serves an overlooked market, or brings a truly distinct creative style
You're building a real business - you plan to sell, market, and grow, not just produce
Our standard services are a better fit if:
You're ready to invest in your launch and want to keep 100% of your revenue from day one
You want full flexibility to define your own scope, timeline, and roadmap
You'd rather not go through a selective application process
There's no wrong door. Incubator brands and full-service clients get the same team and the same standards - the difference is simply how the partnership is structured. If you're not sure which is right for you, get in touch and we'll talk it through.
FAQ
How are the revenue share percentage and duration determined?
Together, and in the open. Our investment is the majority of the margin we'd normally charge on your final scope. From there, the revenue share percentage and duration are shaped by your product category and retail prices - structured so we recoup our investment plus a small amount of interest without cutting into your cost of goods or slowing your growth. We'll agree on rough terms before work begins, then finalize them once your production costs and retail prices are clear.
How is this different from your standard services?
The work is the same; the deal is different. Standard clients pay our standard rates and keep every dollar of revenue. Incubator brands invest less upfront and share revenue for a period.
How many brands do you accept?
Only a handful per year. The Incubator works because we can give each brand real attention - and because we truly believe in every brand and founder we accept.
I can afford your standard services. Should I apply anyway?
Probably not - and here's why: the Incubator costs more in the long run. The revenue share means you'll ultimately pay more for your launch than a standard client, in exchange for paying less upfront. If the upfront investment works for you, our standard engagement is the better deal and gives you complete flexibility.
Ready to pitch us?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Not sure yet?
Explore our standard services
or book a free consultation.