What applicants ask.
Admission is selective and the process is deliberate. Here is what you should know before applying.
Who can apply?
Products, businesses, and ideas — digital and local — that have shipped and are in the world. We do not review concepts, pre-launch pages, or slide decks. The work must exist.
Do I need to be a company?
No. We review individual creators, open-source projects, local establishments, and organizations of every scale. What matters is the work, not the structure around it.
Can I apply in more than one category?
Submit one application per project or organization. If you operate distinct entities with separate identities, each may be considered independently.
Is there a minimum size or age requirement?
There is no revenue, age, or team-size threshold. We have awarded marks to solo builders and to decade-old institutions. The criteria are editorial, not demographic.
How long does review take?
The committee reads every application on a rolling basis. Most applicants hear back within four weeks. During high-volume periods, review may extend to six weeks.
What does silence mean?
Silence is not rejection. If you have not heard back after six weeks, you are welcome to inquire. Most applications are declined, but no response before the four-week mark is simply unfinished review.
Can I reapply?
Yes. If your work has materially changed — a significant release, a new direction, or a demonstrated shift in quality — you may submit again after six months. Reapplying with identical materials is discouraged.
Is there a deadline?
There is no seasonal deadline. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed in the order they are received. The Founding 100 closes permanently once all seats are filled.
What happens if I am accepted?
You will receive an email with your acceptance and next steps. Your listing is created, your mark is issued, and you are announced in the next editorial cycle. You do not need to prepare anything in advance.
What mark do I receive?
You receive the mark associated with the tier you applied for — Founding 100, Quality Assured, Editor's Pick, Hidden Gem, or Rising Discovery. Each tier carries its own visual identity and placement rules.
Can my mark be revoked?
Marks are awarded for the quality of work at the time of review. We do not perform ongoing surveillance, but egregious changes in quality or integrity may be reviewed by the committee upon notice.
Do I get a profile page?
Yes. Every accepted entry receives a dedicated listing page within the index. The page includes your mark, category, editorial summary, and a link to your work.
Can I update my listing?
Minor updates — a new URL, revised description, or updated imagery — may be requested through the editorial desk. Major repositioning or category changes require reapplication.