Next Wave Fund 2025

About

The Next Wave Fund, backed by Google and Kickstarter, offers early-stage tech startups and small businesses funding, expert guidance, and training to successfully launch and grow their innovative projects.

Benefits

• 🎓Hands-on guidance — Support from Kickstarter’s Design & Technology team for crowdfunding campaign preparation
• 💰$10,000 pledge — A pledge toward the funding goal when the project goes live on Kickstarter
• 📚No-cost training — Access to Google’s expert-led training and workshops
• 🌐Community access — Join Kickstarter’s community forum for entrepreneurs
• 📣Marketing exposure — Promotion of the crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter’s channels
• 🚀Accelerator opportunity — Potential to apply for Google Accelerators as the business grows

Eligibility Criteria

• Entrepreneur or small business with fewer than 20 full-time employees
• Project focused on technology or digital gaming
• At least one team member must be a U.S. citizen, resident, or O-1 visa holder
• Primary contact must be at least 18 years old
• Project bank account must be in the United States

Participation Commitments

• None specified

Target Region

United States

Target Sector

Technology and digital gaming