# The founder track

> Who we're looking for on the founder track, what makes an application stand out, and what isn't a fit.

We're looking for the **builder who ships**: the founder who uses AI and agents to move faster than anyone thought a small team could, and who already has something real to show.

## Who we're looking for

- **You've shipped.** There's a live product with real users. For software, this is our bar: with today's tools, build the first version, then apply.
- **You move fast.** A steady stream of releases, experiments, and fixes. We read changelogs and commit history the way other investors read decks.
- **You build with leverage.** You use AI, agents, and automation to do the work of a much bigger team, and you can explain your workflow.
- **You can reach customers.** An audience, a community, a channel, a sales motion: some edge in distribution, or a clear plan to get one.
- **You're all in,** or about to be. Full-time founders are a much stronger fit.
- **You're based in the United States.**

Software isn't required. CPG, e-commerce, services, and media businesses that fit the profile above are welcome too.

## What makes an application stand out

**Show, don't tell.** Links beat adjectives.

- A live product we can try, or a short video walkthrough
- What you shipped in the last 60 days, with links
- Real numbers: users, revenue, growth, retention. Small numbers are fine if they're honest and moving.
- A clear, specific answer to "who is this for?"
- A specific use of funds, tied to a milestone

## Not a fit (right now)

- Software ideas with nothing built yet
- Founders based outside the United States
- Businesses where the plan depends on raising a large round before anything works
- Golf: apply through [Team Chisos Golf](https://teamchisosgolf.com) instead

## Ready?

Check your fit in one call, or go straight to the application: [how to apply](https://next.chisos.io/apply.md).