No Warm Intros Needed: How Founders Are Getting Funded Before They Hit Product-Market Fit

In today’s startup environment, founders are expected to do more with less, especially in the earliest stages of company building. Raising capital before product-market fit (PMF) has always been challenging, but now it's even tougher. Traditional investors want traction, networks, and referrals before they’ll even take a meeting.

For bold entrepreneurs chasing high-potential ideas, the bar can feel impossible. But a new movement is emerging. It puts founders first, regardless of whether they’ve reached PMF. At the front of that shift is Chisos, with a uniquely founder-friendly funding model built to meet startups where they are.

Here’s how the early-stage capital landscape is evolving, and how you can raise up to $100,000 without warm intros, revenue, or giving up control.

The Early-Stage Funding Gap is Real

VC firms have pulled back significantly on idea-stage and pre-seed deals, especially in 2024 and 2025. They’re prioritizing lower-risk opportunities and often expect metrics and traction that just aren’t realistic for pre-PMF startups.

This shift has widened the early-stage funding gap. First-time founders, non-technical builders, and creators in non-traditional industries are often left without viable paths to raise capital, even when their ideas are sound and scalable.

The truth is, startup innovation can’t thrive if capital only flows to those with existing networks and revenue. Founders need better options.

Founders Are Ditching Old Models and Exploring New Capital

Alternative funding models are gaining momentum, especially those designed for early-stage flexibility. A few unique initiatives include:

• Reverse Venture Model by Buyback Ventures
• FAIR (Founder Aligned Investment Rights) by Bluelabel Ventures
• TRUE Investment by Chisos Capital

Chisos has pioneered this last approach, offering flexible capital that adjusts to a founder’s journey. It’s not a loan. It’s not revenue-based. And it’s designed to support the earliest stages, including the idea phase.

Uniquely Founder-Friendly Funding

Chisos backs early-stage founders across a range of industries, not just tech. We understand that innovation isn’t limited to one sector or geography. Whether you’re building a consumer app, launching a creator-led product, or validating a B2B service, our capital is designed to help you make progress fast.

Our hybrid model is built for flexibility:

• Check sizes between $25,000 - $100,000
• Decisions can be made in less than a week
• No monthly payments until you're earning a salary over a threshold
• Small equity stake, most of which you can claw back over time

Our approach doesn’t siphon cash from your business. Instead, we hold a small income share tied to your personal earnings and a SAFE-style equity agreement in your company. We call it a TRUE Investment, a blend of an Future Earnings Agreement and a SAFE.

This dual structure provides multiple pathways to success. You win when your business grows, and we win alongside you.

What Founders Are Doing with Chisos Funding

Chisos capital isn’t just flexible, it’s actionable. Founders across the country have used our checks to:

• Fund MVP development and product validation
• Hire early team members or contractors
• Cover the cost-of-living while building full-time
• Bridge to a key milestone before a larger raise
• Spark interest from future investors by showing early momentum

Whether you’re at the idea stage or moving into early operations, this kind of funding can provide critical momentum. And because it’s designed to work with your future fundraising, it won’t get in the way of raising from VCs or angels later on.

The Salary Floor: Real Founder Flexibility

We understand that many founders aren’t earning a salary early on, and we’ve accounted for that. Our structure includes a salary floor, meaning you don’t owe payments unless you’re earning enough to make them.

If you’re not drawing a salary yet, payments pause. It’s that simple. This lets you stay focused on building without worrying about monthly obligations.

Say Goodbye to Gatekeeping

One of the most frustrating parts of traditional fundraising is access. Warm intros, elite networks, and “who you know” still dominate many investor conversations.

At Chisos, we’ve removed that barrier entirely. We use a simple online application process with no need for intros or pre-existing connections. Your idea and potential should speak for themselves, and we’ve built a platform to make that possible.

Why Work With Chisos

Chisos was built by founders, for founders. Our team knows firsthand how hard it is to access capital in the early days of building. Instead of accepting that reality, we decided to challenge it.

We created a new model of funding that’s:

• Accessible: Open to all founders, regardless of network or background
• Flexible: Payments adjust to your income and growth
• Supportive: Designed to protect your equity and long-term success
• Scalable: Powered by a tech-enabled platform that streamlines the entire process

We’re actively writing checks to high-potential founders who don’t fit the traditional mold. Whether you’re a creator, solo founder, athlete, or career switcher, our approach was made for you.

Ready to Get Funded on Your Terms?

If you’re building something bold and need capital to take the next step, Chisos is ready to help. We don’t require warm intros, huge traction, or a perfect deck. Just an application and your commitment to building something great.

You can:

• Apply for funding today
• Download our Founder Info Package
• Explore our model in more detail at chisos.io

Startup capital is changing. Get ahead of the curve and get funded with Chisos.