FirstProof

Your co-pilot towards your first customer(s) or partner(s)

We work side by side with research-driven founders to prepare them for their first steps into the market.
After academic validation comes a new challenge: translating research into customer or partner value . How do you identify the right industry partners? How do you open doors, start meaningful conversations, and decide which opportunities truly matter for your long-term vision?We help you navigate these questions

Our goal is to help you make smart, future-proof decisions, combining scientific excellence with market insight, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

FirstProof is a selective trajectory designed for research-based startups and spin-offs that are already formally established

    • We teach founders how things work and we love to co-create (no consultancy approach )

    • Shape and communicate the real-world value of your innovation in the language of your potential first client or partner.

    • Reflect on what kind of first partner or client fits your company’s phase and ambition

    • Help you Identify partners or customers whose values and vision match yours.

    • Teach you how to build relationships

    • Helping you connect with confidence, with a hands-on, practical approach that goes beyond theory. We help you identify who to reach out to, how to approach them, and what works in practice, so you can learn by doing

    • Be your co-pilot 24/7

  • FirstProof is a selective trajectory designed for research-based startups and spin-offs that are already formally established.

    • Include at least one researcher or research-driven founder in the activation team.

    • Have headquarters in Europe.

    • Are preparing or planning to find their first partner or customer within 3-6 months

    • Are open to reflection, feedback, and collaboration throughout the process.

    • Founder-first: we stand on your side , independent, transparent, and fully aligned with your goals.

    • No equity: your company remains 100 % yours.

    • No-cure, no-pay: we only win when you do.

    • Flexible network: introductions can come through the Heirloom Labs network or your own. We require no exclusivity.

    • Respect first. We believe in mutual respect. It’s the foundation of how we work together.

Apply here

Your information will be treated confidentially and used only for selection purposes.

Questions before application?

Don’t hesitate to contact us!