About Us

Who are we?

Origin was started by Kevin Sekniqi, co-founder of Ava Labs, building the Avalanche blockchain, a market leader in smart contract blockchains. The Origin team is run by a group of Albanian-American entrepreneurs, with deep ties to Silicon Valley, and with a passion for supporting the brightest minds that Albania has to offer.

How does funding work?

For the Startup Track, funding ranges from $25,000 (twenty five thousand dollars) to $250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand dollars) depending on the maturity of the company, with a fixed equity stake of 10% of the company. For the Fellows Track, funding is a flat fee of $5,000 (five thousand dollars) per year, guaranteed for two years, with an option to renew for an additional two years if there is demonstrated progress towards materializing an idea.

How do we support startups and fellows?

Origin is not just funding. That is only the first step. After joining through the Startup Track or Fellows Track, you are invited to a private network where you will be provided with best-in-class support from both the Origin team as well as other program members. As you build your team or explore your new ideas, you will be provided with advising, recruiting, and introductions to help you expand your network and build your business.