Google and Kickstarter have teamed up to launch the Next Wave Fund, a new program designed to back the next generation of tech and gaming entrepreneurs. Selected founders receive a $10,000 pledge toward their Kickstarter goal when their project is published, hands-on campaign guidance from Kickstarter's Design and Technology team, free Grow with Google training, access to the Google AI Professional Certificate, and a spot in the community forum for design and tech entrepreneurs.
If the project gains traction, there's a pathway to apply to Google Accelerators down the road.
To qualify, you need to be an entrepreneur or small business with fewer than 20 full-time employees, with a project focused on technology or digital gaming. Additional requirements are that at least one team member must be a U.S. citizen, resident, or O-1 visa holder, and the project's bank account must be based in the United States.
For gaming creators specifically, projects should have a focus on a software or hardware product.
The Next Wave Fund is part of Kickstarter's broader Forward Funds program, an effort that invites foundations, nonprofits, and organizations to back creators. The Google partnership brings serious institutional muscle to what has traditionally been a community-first platform.
Applications are open now on a rolling basis, and applicants can expect to hear back within six weeks. There's also a free webinar on June 2 walking through what a successful campaign looks like.
For multicultural gaming founders and creators who've historically had less access to early-stage capital, this is worth a serious look. The barrier for entry is low and can serve as a gateway to launch your idea.
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