/ Yield Index / AI Grant
AI Grant
Vertical Specialist · $250K SAFE + zero equity for grant phase
B+
Good (B+) — Cohort Yield Grade
AI Grant (by Daniel Gross and Nat Friedman) operates a no-equity grant-phase + optional SAFE investment program for AI founders. Strong mentor quality (Gross, Friedman, and their AI network). Recent cohorts have produced multiple breakout AI startups. Premium positioning in the AI accelerator category.
86
Composite / 100
Where this grade comes from.
Equity Terms Fairness
A-
Founder Outcomes
B+
Mentor Quality
A
Demo Day Yield
B+
Post-Program Network
A-
Key events & disclosures.
- Founded 2017 by Daniel Gross + Nat Friedman
- No-equity grant phase + optional SAFE
- Strong AI founder cohorts
- Friedman's Apple AI / Github CEO pedigree
/ Best for
Technical AI founders seeking Gross/Friedman network access and AI-specific founder community.
/ Watch out for
Highly competitive acceptance. AI specialty focus.