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LongJump Funding Application

Review the application in full/save your own template here. We recommend using the template to save your answers if you cannot complete your application in one sitting. You will receive an email confirming receipt with a copy of your application after submission - if you don't see it in your inbox, please check your spam.

Short answers are welcome. We'd rather hear your voice than a polished essay. We know founders use AI in these, and that's okay, but we can tell when AI is doing the heavy lifting - don't abuse it.

For other questions, check out our process or reach out at hello@longjump.vc.
We're looking for:
• U.S.-based companies being built in the Midwest, particularly in Chicago.
• Founders who haven’t raised much outside capital yet—we like to be among your first backers. • Startups that are tech-focused or tech-enabled, with real potential to scale fast. • Teams led by standout builders who bring unique insight and serious drive to their market.
• High-leverage capital fit: Our check can help you make real, measurable progress.
We don't invest in: • Not-for-profit organizations • Founders outside of the U.S. Midwest

Section 1: Basic Information

Your Full Name

Your Email Address

Your Phone Number

Your LinkedIn

Your Company's Name

Your Company's Website

Have you applied to LongJump before with this business?

A
B

LongJump only invests in US-based founders building in the Midwest, with a bias for Chicago. Are there members of your founding team living in this region?

A
B

Please briefly describe where your founders are located and your company is headquartered.

Describe what your company does in a few words.

If you have a demo of your product or video explaining your service, please provide the link.

Which of the following categories best applies to your business?

Section 2: Your Team

When did you start working on this? An estimated date is fine.  

Who's on the founding team, and what's the most impressive thing each of you has built or done?

Is your founding team working on this full-time?

A
B
C

Tell us about a time you hacked a non-computer system to your advantage.

Section 3: Your Business

Tell us about your business. What does (or will) your company make? Please describe your product or service and how it works. Please use plain language, not jargon or marketing speak.

Why did you pick this idea to work on?

Please indicate the status of your solution.

Do you have paying users/have you made revenue?

A
B

Who are (or will be) your customers?

How do you know they want this? Share any conversations, experiments, or work you've done with users/customers so far.

What do you understand about this problem that others don't?

What is your business model? How do (or will) you make money? It’s okay if you aren’t generating any revenue yet. In that case, just give us your best estimates.

What needs to be true for you to generate $10 million in revenue in a year with this business? This could be the number of customers you would reach, specific market conditions, a technological shift you see coming, or something else.

Have you raised any money from outside investors?

A
B

Are you currently fundraising?

A
B

What would you do with LongJump's check in the next 6 months?

Please share high-level details on the current (or planned) ownership breakdown among each founder, employees, investors, and other stakeholders. 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Section 4: Final Details

LongJump produces quarterly gatherings in Chicago for our portfolio companies. These are special opportunities to connect with our network of founders, operators, and investors. We expect all LongJump portfolio companies to prioritize these dates and make their best attempt to attend. If you are selected for investment, you will receive this year's dates at onboarding.

A
B

Do you or any members of your founding team identify as any of the below groups? Select all that apply. This question is not required -- we only use this data when assessing bias in our selection process.

How did you hear about LongJump?

Are you okay with us sharing basic details about your company with other potential investors? We will only share the following items: Your Name, Your Email, Company Name, Company Website, Brief Company Description, and Industry Category. 

A
B