Startup studios aim to start and build multiple businesses in succession. Only a few have managed to do it consistently with success, and it oftentimes requires capital that requires close partnership or integration with some type of venture capital firm. Here is a list of a few startup studios:
What is a startup studio?
Unlike accelerators or incubators, startup studios don't just fund or advise existing founders — they ideate, build, and launch companies themselves. The studio model provides shared resources (engineering, design, legal, finance) across a portfolio of early-stage ventures, allowing companies to reach product-market fit faster than they could independently.
Active startup studios
- Rocket Internet
- Berlin-based Rocket Internet is one of the most prolific startup studios in the world, having incubated and invested in internet and technology companies globally. Known for rapidly cloning proven business models in underserved markets.
- Wilbur Labs
- San Francisco-based Wilbur Labs takes a systematic approach to company building, combining in-house talent with a rigorous process for identifying high-potential market opportunities.
- Betaworks
- New York's Betaworks has built and backed a range of consumer internet products, with a focus on media, communication, and real-time data.
- Science Inc.
- Los Angeles-based Science Inc. builds and invests in consumer companies, with a portfolio that includes Dollar Shave Club (acquired by Unilever for $1B) and several other notable exits.
- Pioneer Square Labs
- Seattle's Pioneer Square Labs spins out companies from ideas generated internally, then recruits external CEOs to lead them.
How startup studios differ from accelerators
Accelerators like Y Combinator and Techstars take in existing founding teams and help them refine and grow their ideas over a fixed program period. Studios start earlier — they generate the idea, validate it, and recruit a founding team. The tradeoff is equity: studios typically take a larger ownership stake in exchange for the infrastructure and capital they provide at the very earliest stage.
This list will be updated as the studio landscape evolves. If you're considering the studio model for your next venture — either as a founder or operator — reach out. We've worked alongside several studios on worker acquisition and growth strategy.