Your earnings
5% of the capital gain
If the startup you refer generates a capital gain for swanbase, you receive 5%. Calculated on the net amount, after deducting fees.
An email can be worth $25,000.
Refer a startup to swanbase. If we invest and the exit generates a capital gain, you receive 5%. No investment on your part.
No financial commitment. Application in 1 call.
What you gain
Your investment
Zero euros
No capital required. Your only contribution: your network and your ability to spot good projects.
Your freedom
No exclusivity
Refer as many startups as you want and work with whoever you want. The relationship is non-exclusive on both sides.
Simulate your compensation
5% of our net capital gain
Adjust the capital gain to see what you receive.
Capital gain: 500 000 €
Your earnings: 25 000 €
Concrete example: if swanbase invests 200,000 € and sells its stake for 1,000,000 €, the net capital gain is 750,000 € (after fees). You receive 37,500 €.
How it works
01
Application
Book a meeting with us. We discuss your profile, your motivations, and your network.
02
Referral
Once you're a scout, send your referrals by email with the key information: name, link, founder contact, context in a few lines.
03
Analysis
Our team reviews the file. You are kept informed of the key stages: acceptance, fundraising, liquidity event.
04
Compensation
In the event of an exit, you receive 5% of our net capital gain. Payment within 60 days after the liquidity event.
This program is for you if…
You spend time around founders, you understand what makes a good project, and you want to make the most of it.
Student or Alumni
You're surrounded by people launching projects. Incubators, associations, campuses: you see startups emerge before anyone else.
(Ex)-Founder
You've founded or co-founded a company. You know how to evaluate a team, a product, an execution capability. Your perspective has value.
Tech Professional
You work in the ecosystem and you hear about promising projects before they raise. You pick up weak signals.
What kind of startup are we looking for?
Preferred sectors
- SaaS (B2B/B2C)
- Marketplaces
- Fintech & Insurtech
- Deeptech & AI
- Impact
Stage of maturity
Primarily pre-seed and seed, with an MVP and early traction signals.
Ambition & team
Complementary and resilient teams, strong ambition, large market, international potential.
Why this program
Since 2018, swanbase has been supporting early-stage startups to help them find their first customers. To invest in the best projects, we need eyes and ears on the ground.
The best startups aren't always found at pitch events or in databases. They're found in your conversations, your networks, your communities. The VC Scout program turns this field knowledge into an advantage for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Does the program cost anything?
No. No investment required. You bring your network, not your capital.
What exactly is the 5% calculated on?
On swanbase's net capital gain: the amount received at exit, minus the acquisition cost of the stake and the direct fees related to the transaction (professional fees, audit, etc.). swanbase's own taxes are not deducted.
How many startups can I refer?
As many as you want. No limit. Each referral is processed independently.
Is it exclusive? Can I work with other funds?
The relationship is non-exclusive on both sides. You remain free to collaborate with whoever you want.
What if the startup I refer isn't selected?
Nothing changes for you. swanbase is the sole decision-maker on its investments. Keep referring other projects.
When do I get paid?
At the time of a liquidity event: sale, buyout, IPO. The realistic horizon is 5 to 10 years, sometimes more for major ventures. Payment within 60 days after swanbase receives the proceeds.
What status do you need to be a scout?
You need to be able to issue an invoice: sole proprietorship, company, or any equivalent status. The contract formalizes the relationship between you and swanbase.
Do you need finance or VC skills?
No. The role is limited to identifying and presenting promising startups. swanbase handles the analysis, due diligence, and investment.
You spot the startups. We invest. We share.
Book a meeting to discuss it.
Become a VC ScoutNo financial commitment. Non-exclusive relationship. Transparent contract.
