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Overview
LeapYear funds early-stage student teams with $20k–$50k in exchange for about 2% equity via a post-money SAFE, across a one-year program. Teams receive weekly guidance, access to a community, feedback, and resources to turn ideas into working startups. It stands out by focusing on young builders and providing intense, mentor-led support and in-person community building rather than broad, late-stage financing. The goal is to improve the odds of success for portfolio companies and build a stronger community around aspiring founders.
About LeapYear
Industries
Venture Capital
Financial Services
Company Size
1-10
Company Stage
M&A
Total Funding
$53.2M
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
2015
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- LeapYear said July 2026 applications topped 1,000 builders, sharpening deal quality.
- The firm reports 70%+ of funded teams raised follow-on capital by August 2026.
- 2026 portfolio wins include Simantic, Adjoint, Verdant, and Lintel spanning YC and new traction.
What critics are saying
- LeapYear's model depends on student founders; university recruiting cycles can starve pipeline quickly.
- If 2026 alumni stop raising follow-on capital, $30,000 checks lose signaling power.
- If YC and follow-on investors ignore LeapYear graduates, the fund becomes a referral dead-end.
What makes LeapYear unique
- LeapYear backs students, dropouts, and grads at day one with $30,000 SAFEs.
- It funds seven teams per cycle, preserving tight, founder-heavy selection.
- Its 1-year commitment and no-programming model target ambitious builders nationwide.
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Funding
Total Funding
$53.2M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
0 Rounds
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
Unlimited sick leave
Fees for work visas and green cards 100% covered
8 weeks fully paid parental leave
Remote friendly
Regular outings & quarterly team gathering
Stipends for relocation and workstation equipment
401K plan with 4% match
Disability, accident, and life insurance available
Learning resources
Company News
Lintel, an AI-powered construction plan review platform, has secured funding from Afore Capital and LeapYear. The company deploys AI agents to analyse drawings, specifications, and schedules, identifying contradictions, scope gaps, and code conflicts before they result in requests for information and change orders. The funding will enable Lintel to enhance its product, expand its team, and increase adoption amongst construction firms. The platform aims to help architects, engineers, and contractors detect issues early in the construction process. Lintel is currently offering demos to showcase its capabilities to potential users in the construction industry.
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About LeapYear
Industries
Venture Capital
Financial Services
Company Size
1-10
Company Stage
M&A
Total Funding
$53.2M
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
2015
There are no jobs for LeapYear right now.
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today