The Interplay Incubator’s Interim Cofounder Model

We launched the Interplay Incubator in 2014 and over the past decade we’ve worked alongside founders in the trenches witnessing firsthand the challenges they face and the resilience it takes to succeed. One of our biggest learnings during this time is that founders don’t just need advice from the sidelines—they need someone in the game with them to help navigate the tough decisions and daily grind, particularly for a young startup. That’s the philosophy behind our Interim Cofounder model, a cornerstone of our incubator. We start by investing $50K in early-stage startups, but what really makes this program different is how involved we get. For six months, we’re not just offering advice—we’re working with founders on a daily basis, assisting on the kind of tasks and responsibilities that cofounders would tend to handle on their own.

What the Process Looks Like

1. Business Audit: First, we do a deep dive into the business. This involves looking at the product(s), customer base, operations, and overall strategy to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and where the best opportunities are.
2. Action Plan: From there, we build a roadmap. It’s a practical, step-by-step plan that focuses on the areas with the biggest potential impact.
3. Hands-On Support: This is where the real work happens. We embed ourselves into the business, helping with everything from testing and refining your product to building a growth strategy and preparing for fundraising.

Where We Focus

Every startup has different needs, but here are a few common areas where we help:

• Product Development: Making sure your product fits the market and solves the right problems for your customers.
• Go-to-Market and Growth Strategies: Experimenting with marketing, sales, and other approaches to find what works best.
• Fundraising: Helping with investor outreach, pitch preparation, and navigating funding rounds.
• Operations: Streamlining systems and processes to support long-term growth.

Why We Do It

The idea behind the Interim Cofounder model is to go beyond being passive investors or distant advisors. By getting directly involved in the day-to-day work of building a business, we’re able to help founders move faster, avoid common pitfalls, and make more informed decisions.

Who It’s For

This program is designed for early-stage startups that are ready to put in the work and would benefit from having an experienced partner in their corner. It’s not just about the funding—it’s about having someone there to help you figure out the hard stuff and make meaningful progress.

If you’re curious about how we approach things or just want to learn more, feel free to reach out.