Pre-incubator

Launch and sell.

A 9-month program to master startup sales and turn prospects into paying customers.

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Start Date

Ongoing

Program

Pre-Incubator

Multiple intakes annually

9 months

Program accessible virtually or in-person

Program

Pre-Incubator

Start Date

Ongoing

Multiple intakes annually

9 months

Program accessible virtually or in-person

Apply Now

Still deciding?
Get answers.

Register for a free info session to see how DMZ can help you.

Taking you from early traction to serious momentum.

Let’s get you started with your custom sales playbook.

A flexible, 9-month roadmap to winning your first customers.

We formally onboard Pre-Incubator startups four times a year, with applications open year-round. Each cohort includes just 10 to 14 companies, so you’re never one of hundreds — you’re one of a few.

You’ll grow alongside a tight-knit group of founders, build meaningful relationships and get support from people who’ve been in your shoes. The shared journey sparks real momentum and often, lifelong connections.

Apply

Apply to program here

If successful, get contacted for a screening call

Undergo deep dive sessions and due diligence interviews

Receive and accept formal offer!

Onboard

Join your cohort kickoff and orientation

Move in day – get your team’s designated desk space

Meet your peers at the Milestone Meetup

Connect with your dedicated Program Lead and advisor

Build & scale

Complete group sales bootcamp and sales evaluation sessions

Get 1:1 expert support in sales and customer acquisition

Attend founder talks, workshops and community events

Refine investor pitch and prep early fundraising materials

If selected, pitch at DMZ’s Startup Showcase for up to $25K investment

Transition or graduate

Speak to Program Lead about opportunities to join Incubator

If eligible, undergo expedited application review

If graduating, attend Milestone Meetup and become an official alum

If you win, we win.

We don’t charge fees, we don’t take board seats. We’re in this together for the long haul – backing you with more than just words. Here’s what we bring to the table in exchange for a 2.0% equity stake in common shares.

As we shifted to a B2B market, DMZ guided us through a full rebrand. From product strategy to visual identity, their support helped us reposition Flowjin for stronger conversion.

Sheida Mirjahani

Co-Founder and CO, Flowjin.

What you can expect.

Unlike traditional accelerators, DMZ’s Pre-Incubator is designed to meet you where you are, so you can scale faster on your terms.

Sales bootcamp & 1:1 coaching

Build a repeatable sales process and close your first customers with expert guidance.

Unlimited expert meetings

Get strategic guidance, fractional support and mentoring sessions with seasoned experts.

Personalized Program Lead

Set goals, track milestones and stay accountable with a dedicated startup advisor.

Fundraising prep & pitch opps

Master your investor pitch and get a chance to pitch for up to $25K in investment.

Workspace & community

Work from DMZ HQ and access top-tier amenities and a vibrant founder community.

Exclusive perks & partner benefits

Access $500K+ in tech credits, discounts and resources to grow faster.

Who should apply?

Here are some factors we consider for the Pre-Incubator program.

Tech-driven & scalable • A software-based business solving a compelling problem.

Startup stage • An MVP, ideally in market and ready for customer use.

Market validation • Early traction with proof points like pilots, partnerships, LOIs.

Growth-focused team • At least one full-time founder and an in-house technical lead.

Venture-backable • Positioned for funding in a high-growth market.

Commitment • Available 5-6 hours/month to reap program benefits.

Location • DMZ accepts global founders. Travel required for in-person pitch events.

Supporting diverse entrepreneurs.

Let’s be real: not everyone gets the same shot.
So we’re changing the game.


We back diverse founders with the opportunities, mentorship and visibility they deserve. No extra hoops. No gatekeeping.

$2M

In BIPOC grants awarded.

$850K+

Grants towards Black founders.

Join over 6,200 diverse and driven founders creating impact at DMZ.

4,200+

Women founders supported.

2,000+

Black founders empowered.

Our community.