About 1616 Ignite
1616 Ignite is an 8-week online accelerator for U.S.-based, AI-driven founders ready to move fast. Rooted in the Southeast U.S., we invest early, provide hands-on mentorship, and connect you with the right people and strategies to scale.
Only up to 10 founders will be selected. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis - apply early!
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Your First $20K to Ignite Your Startup
Get a $20K SAFE investment for 1% equity from 1616 Ignite.
Pitch 1616 Ventures for follow-on funding right after the program or when you're ready.
Content That Actually Moves the Needle
8-week online program with expert-led workshops and exclusive startup resources.
Learn everything from incorporation to AI strategy and scaling.
An 8-Week Launchpad to Fundraise
Step-by-step guidance on pitching, term sheets, and investor strategy.
Get ready to fundraise with confidence.
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A World-Class Founder Network
Join a selective, high-caliber cohort of AI-driven founders.
Tap into 1616 Ventures' powerful network of advisors and entrepreneurs.
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One-on-One Mentorship from Seasoned Investors
Work directly with the partners at 1616 for personalized, hands-on mentorship.
Tackle your biggest startup challenges with investor-backed insights.
Who Should Apply
AI-Driven Tech Founders - Innovators leveraging AI to build scalable, high-impact startups.
Builders with Big Ideas & Insider Knowledge - Founders with a unique, asymmetric advantage in their industry.
Startup Veterans Ready to Lead - Former key team members at high-growth startups, now stepping up as founders.
Relentless Executors & Hustlers - Fast movers who turn ideas into reality and thrive in high-speed environments.
Proven Talent, Hungry to Learn - You’ve done impressive things before and now you’re ready to build something big.
What It Takes to Join
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Full Commitment
You’re ready to invest the time and energy needed to build and grow your company throughout the program.
Active Participation
You’ll fully engage in all workshops, meetings, and check-ins (all online).
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U.S.-Based
While we’re rooted in the Southeast U.S., we welcome applications from founders across the U.S.
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No Institutional Fundraising Yet
You have not tried fundraising yet and have a clean cap table.
Meet The Team
We have built up a successful track record of selecting, investing in, and supporting outstanding founders. 1616 Ignite is our new program focused exclusively on early-stage, AI-driven founders across the US.
Partner - Miami, FL
Alex Nogueira
Alex is a seasoned global investor with over a decade of experience investing in and backing startups across the world. He started his career at Goldman Sachs, later serving as the Head of J.Mendes Investment Office in New York, building a strong network of top-tier American VCs and investing in several U.S.-based VC funds and startups. In 2022, Alex founded 1616 Ventures, investing in and advising early-stage, highly scalable tech startups. Alex holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from UFMG, a Master’s in Finance from HEC Paris, an MBA from The Wharton School, and a Master’s in International Studies from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently expanding his expertise through a Executive Master’s in AI for Business at the University of Oxford.
Partner - Durham, NC
Pedro Mendonça (Mendy)
Mendy is an operator-turned-investor with entrepreneurial experience and expertise in marketing and operations. Mendy has held positions across a number of industries in companies such as AMBEV, BRG Capital, and Bausch Health Companies (formerly Probiotica - Valeant Pharmaceuticals). He later transitioned into tech, working in Sales & Marketing at Wellhub (formerly Gympass) and Product and Partner Marketing at DocuSign. He then became COO at Ânimo, a venture-backed wellness startup, before joining Alex to start 1616 Ventures in 2022. A Fundação Estudar scholarship recipient, Pedro holds a BA in Economics and International Studies from Yale University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Meet our Startup Network
Join a community of bold, AI-driven founders who are building the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before The Program
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Who is the right fit for 1616 Ignite?AI-driven tech founders who are serious about building and scaling their startups. We’re looking for builders with big ideas, startup veterans launching their own thing, and fast-moving executors who are ready to put in the work.
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Who is this program NOT for?If you’re just testing the waters, not ready to commit, or already started or tried institutional fundraising, this program isn’t for you.
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Do I need a registered company to join?No, but you’ll need to incorporate as a Delaware C-Corp before receiving funding. We will guide you through this.
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What types of startups are you looking for?AI-driven, highly scalable tech businesses with real potential. If you have a unique insight, an unfair advantage, and can execute fast, we want to hear from you.
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How many founders will you accept?We’ll take up to 10 founders, but we’re extremely selective - quality over quantity.
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Do I need to be full time?You do not need to be full time in order to apply or be selected for the program. If you are selected, however, we do expect you to become full time if you want to be considered for follow-on investment from 1616 Ventures.
-
What is the selection process like?We review and accept applications as they come in. After an initial review, selected applicants will complete a pre-interview form and have a first interview with our team. Some may be asked for additional information or a second interview. Final offers will be extended to the startups we believe are the best fit for the program.
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I have more questions. Will you have an info session?Yes! We will be hosting three info sessions to talk more about the program and answer questions. If you would like to sign up, here are the links: March 11th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2617405975450/WN_Gyk5GRnVSuy1BaJI0Iz7xg March 18th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5017405976779/WN_pwb4MQxtQZW59Xdq-UKQBw March 25th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2617405975450/WN_xCPjKAuuTHW8Egid5jERbA
During The Program
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Who is the right fit for 1616 Ignite?AI-driven tech founders who are serious about building and scaling their startups. We’re looking for builders with big ideas, startup veterans launching their own thing, and fast-moving executors who are ready to put in the work.
-
Who is this program NOT for?If you’re just testing the waters, not ready to commit, or already started or tried institutional fundraising, this program isn’t for you.
-
Do I need a registered company to join?No, but you’ll need to incorporate as a Delaware C-Corp before receiving funding. We will guide you through this.
-
What types of startups are you looking for?AI-driven, highly scalable tech businesses with real potential. If you have a unique insight, an unfair advantage, and can execute fast, we want to hear from you.
-
How many founders will you accept?We’ll take up to 10 founders, but we’re extremely selective - quality over quantity.
-
Do I need to be full time?You do not need to be full time in order to apply or be selected for the program. If you are selected, however, we do expect you to become full time if you want to be considered for follow-on investment from 1616 Ventures.
-
What is the selection process like?We review and accept applications as they come in. After an initial review, selected applicants will complete a pre-interview form and have a first interview with our team. Some may be asked for additional information or a second interview. Final offers will be extended to the startups we believe are the best fit for the program.
-
I have more questions. Will you have an info session?Yes! We will be hosting three info sessions to talk more about the program and answer questions. If you would like to sign up, here are the links: March 11th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2617405975450/WN_Gyk5GRnVSuy1BaJI0Iz7xg March 18th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5017405976779/WN_pwb4MQxtQZW59Xdq-UKQBw March 25th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2617405975450/WN_xCPjKAuuTHW8Egid5jERbA
After The Program
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Who is the right fit for 1616 Ignite?AI-driven tech founders who are serious about building and scaling their startups. We’re looking for builders with big ideas, startup veterans launching their own thing, and fast-moving executors who are ready to put in the work.
-
Who is this program NOT for?If you’re just testing the waters, not ready to commit, or already started or tried institutional fundraising, this program isn’t for you.
-
Do I need a registered company to join?No, but you’ll need to incorporate as a Delaware C-Corp before receiving funding. We will guide you through this.
-
What types of startups are you looking for?AI-driven, highly scalable tech businesses with real potential. If you have a unique insight, an unfair advantage, and can execute fast, we want to hear from you.
-
How many founders will you accept?We’ll take up to 10 founders, but we’re extremely selective - quality over quantity.
-
Do I need to be full time?You do not need to be full time in order to apply or be selected for the program. If you are selected, however, we do expect you to become full time if you want to be considered for follow-on investment from 1616 Ventures.
-
What is the selection process like?We review and accept applications as they come in. After an initial review, selected applicants will complete a pre-interview form and have a first interview with our team. Some may be asked for additional information or a second interview. Final offers will be extended to the startups we believe are the best fit for the program.
-
I have more questions. Will you have an info session?Yes! We will be hosting three info sessions to talk more about the program and answer questions. If you would like to sign up, here are the links: March 11th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2617405975450/WN_Gyk5GRnVSuy1BaJI0Iz7xg March 18th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/5017405976779/WN_pwb4MQxtQZW59Xdq-UKQBw March 25th, 6pm EST: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2617405975450/WN_xCPjKAuuTHW8Egid5jERbA
