Outcast Ventures, an early-stage venture firm built on the belief that founding teams matter more than founding ideas.
Catalyst, Outcast’s founder formation engine, is for founders who take co-founder selection seriously.
Catalyst is 8 weeks in SF with founders who have all built something substantial before: half technical, half non-technical, all intentional about who they start a company with. You work from the same office, get to know each other, and decide if you want to found a company together.
If you meet your co-founder through Catalyst and choose to found a company together, Outcast is positioned to write your first check and you get access to the talent network for your earliest hires.
Catalyst is for individuals, not formed teams. You don't need an idea. You need to be serious about starting a company and uncompromising about who you build with.
Applications close April 6, 2026 at 11:59pm PT.
Decisions are communicated by April 13, 2026 at the latest.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Spots are limited, so apply early to hear back sooner.
Catalyst 01 runs April 27 – June 19, 2026 in San Francisco. You need to be in person.
Full FAQ here.