TinySeed Spring 2025 Applications Q&A: Insights for SaaS Founders
Did you know that every TinySeed accelerator session features founders from across the globe? The diverse perspectives you encounter can spark innovative ideas and pave the way for your startup’s success!
Whether you’re just crossing the $500 MRR mark or switching entity types, this guide breaks down everything from our live Q&A so SaaS founders can approach the TinySeed applications process with clarity and confidence.
The Application Landscape: Recent Changes
Since its launch in 2019, TinySeed has run two global accelerator sessions each year—previously split into North America and APEC cohorts. This Spring 2025 cycle marks the first time those tracks have fully merged into a single worldwide program. By consolidating regions, TinySeed simplifies logistics and creates a larger, more diverse peer group.
Key updates include:
- One unified selection process for all countries, reducing confusion about which batch to choose.
- A clear requirement that TinySeed will only invest in Delaware C corporations, although the application itself is open to all entity types.
Founders operating as an LLC, a UK limited company or another structure can apply and, if accepted, rely on TinySeed’s legal resources to convert to the required entity before funding.
These changes reflect TinySeed’s commitment to streamlining the journey for founders anywhere, from Singapore to South Africa to Silicon Valley.
Program Structure and Playbooks
When you join TinySeed, you’re not just getting capital—you’re entering a structured year-long learning experience designed for B2B SaaS founders. At the heart of the curriculum are the TinySeed Playbooks, covering core topics:
- Sales funnels and lead qualification
- Marketing strategies, from content to paid ads
- Fundraising tactics for self-sustaining growth
- Pricing models, packaging and ARPU expansion
- Hiring best practices for early-stage teams
Playbooks run on a two-week cadence: one week of expert‐led group calls (founders present milestones and receive feedback from TinySeed’s team and mentors), followed by mastermind sessions in smaller cohorts. Each mastermind group—typically 4–6 companies—meets weekly to share progress, troubleshoot challenges and hold one another accountable.
Throughout the program, you’ll also have access to:
- Biweekly mentor calls with subject-matter experts
- One-on-one mentor matchups for targeted advice
- Live monthly “Ask Me Anything” sessions with the TinySeed leadership team
By the end of the year, founders have built repeatable systems, refined their go-to-market playbooks and formed lasting relationships within a vetted community of 192 portfolio companies.
Navigating Revenue Requirements
A frequent concern: “Do I need to hit $500 MRR before I apply?” Yes, TinySeed sets a soft minimum of $500 monthly recurring revenue to ensure participants have early traction and basic retention in place. But you’re always welcome to apply below that threshold.
“Win in doubt. Fill it out.” – TinySeed mantra encouraging founders to submit applications even if they fall just short of formal thresholds.
Why the MRR requirement?
- Product-market fit signal: Even a few hundred dollars in predictable revenue shows you’ve validated a core feature.
- Cohort pacing: TinySeed’s curriculum moves fast; founders with solid MRR can better leverage the sessions.
- Mentor time efficiency: Mentors and the TinySeed team can provide deeper feedback when the business has live data.
If you apply under $500 MRR, expect to receive encouragement and general feedback, but understand your odds of progressing in this round are lower. Many founders reapply three or four times—using each application as a business audit—then secure a spot once they’ve crossed the threshold.
Common Pitfalls and Best Practices
Based on hundreds of applications, here are mistakes to avoid—and tips to strengthen your submission:
Pitfall 1: Vague revenue or churn figures
• Be precise: report your exact MRR, growth rate in dollars, and churn percentage.
Pitfall 2: Consumer-style pricing at low ARPU
• We focus on B2B SaaS. Average revenue per user under $10 often signals high churn. Highlight enterprise pilots or upsell pathways.
Pitfall 3: Unwillingness to convert to a Delaware C-Corp
• If you have any plans to take investment, prepare to form a C-Corp post-acceptance. This conversion is straightforward with TinySeed’s legal partners.
Best Practice:
• Use the application as a quarterly check-in—update your figures, note new customers or feature launches, and resubmit if you don’t qualify initially.
By addressing these points, you’ll present a clear, investable profile and avoid red flags that slow down review.
Insider Q&A Highlights
In our live session, TinySeed’s leadership—Tracy Osborne (Head of Product), Alex McQuade (Program Director), and Rob Walling (Co-founder)—fielded top questions from founders worldwide:
Question: “What’s the youngest and oldest founder you’ve backed?”
TinySeed doesn’t collect age data; the range spans early 20s to late 60s. The team emphasizes that ambition and execution matter far more than age.
Question: “Can I apply to TinySeed and YC at the same time?”
Absolutely. Many founders pursue multiple accelerators concurrently. TinySeed recommends closing any smaller SAFE rounds after acceptance to avoid valuation conflicts and maintain focus.
Question: “Do you fund LLCs or non-US entities?”
You can apply with any structure or jurisdiction, but funding requires a Delaware C-Corp. TinySeed will guide accepted founders through the conversion process.
Question: “What if I’m just about to sign my first customer?”
You’re encouraged to apply, but note that we give priority to startups with multiple paying customers and consistent month-over-month growth.
These exchanges underscore TinySeed’s transparent approach: every question is valid, and the team aims to clarify, not gatekeep.
Beyond Funding: The Accelerator Ecosystem
TinySeed’s support extends well beyond the initial investment check. Once you’re in the program, you gain access to:
- An active Slack community of over 300 founders
- Weekly “Office Hours” for real-time problem solving
- In-person retreats (next up: May 2025 in San Diego) fully covered—including hotel, meals and networking events
- Alumni gatherings and regional meetups
Post-program engagement remains strong. Graduates keep Slack access, attend mentor calls, join alumni masterminds and receive priority invites to advanced workshops. More than 94% of portfolio companies remain in business two years after funding, thanks largely to this ongoing network.
Important Dates and Next Steps
Ready to apply? Here’s the timeline for Spring 2025:
- Application window: Now through February 23, 2024
- Stage 2 (Async Interviews): March 3–9, 2024
- Stage 3 (Final Interviews with Leadership): March 24–28, 2024
- Accelerator starts: May 1, 2024
TinySeed runs two cycles per year. Fall 2025 applications typically open in September, so subscribe to updates at tinyseed.com to get notified.
Wrapping Up: Join the TinySeed Community
TinySeed is more than an accelerator—it’s a vibrant global network dedicated to self-sustaining B2B SaaS growth. Whether you’re just crossing the MRR threshold or need a structured playbook to scale, TinySeed’s program offers capital, coaching, community, and continuity.
• Actionable Takeaway: Apply today at tinyseed.com/apply before the February 23 deadline to secure your spot in the Spring 2025 accelerator and tap into world-class mentorship for SaaS founders.
What’s your biggest hurdle in the application process? Drop a comment or reach out on social, and let’s tackle it together!