Back — The Attempt Engine
Back
The first path to support. For founders, researchers, builders and teams with an ambitious idea that is still too early, too incomplete or too difficult to explain for a normal funding route.
What Back is
The first step
Back is the first step in the 0.1 attempt engine. It is meant for founders, researchers, builders or teams with an ambitious idea that is still too early, too incomplete or too difficult to explain for a normal funding route — but relevant enough to explore seriously.
In this stage, we look at whether 0.1 can help the attempt move forward. That means we assess the idea, the stage, the team, the timing and the kind of support that is needed. We also look at whether the attempt fits our network, our knowledge and our way of working.
Key point
Back is equity-free. The goal is not to take ownership of the idea at this stage. The goal is to help a promising attempt find a clearer route to support.
What you get
An honest intake
We start with an intake conversation where we look at the idea behind the attempt, the problem it addresses, the current stage of development and the reason why this could matter now.
We also ask what has already been tried, what still needs to be proven and what kind of help would make the biggest difference in the next step.
This intake is not only a selection moment for 0.1. It is also meant to give immediate feedback.
Key point
Even if the attempt does not become a 0.1 project, you leave with a clearer view of what is strong, what is unclear and what might be a logical next move.
What we look at
How we assess
We look at the attempt from several angles. First, we want to understand whether the problem is important enough to justify a serious attempt. Then we look at the idea itself: whether there is a credible reason to believe that this approach could work, even if the proof is still early.
We also look at the founder or team. A very early attempt often depends heavily on the people behind it, so we pay attention to motivation, relevant knowledge, persistence and the ability to learn quickly.
Finally, we look at timing and support. Why could this work now, and what does the attempt need next: funding, expertise, validation, customers, partners, a sharper story or a better first proof point?
If there is a fit
What happens next
If we decide to back the attempt, we put our knowledge, network and reputation behind it. That can include help with sharpening the story, preparing a first funding route, finding relevant experts, approaching potential partners or customers and making introductions.
A practical part of Back is looking at possible support routes from the existing innovation ecosystem. The purpose is to connect the attempt to the right form of support, instead of immediately forcing it into a funding route that does not fit.
Key point
Support routes can include De Startversneller, De Groeiversneller, MIT, vouchers, angel investors or early-stage introductions — depending on what is available and suitable.
Why this matters
Less randomness
Many early attempts do not fail because the idea is worthless. They fail because the next step is unclear, the story is not sharp enough, or the right people do not see it early enough. Back is designed to reduce that randomness.
Being backed by 0.1 should function as an early signal of seriousness. It means the attempt has gone through a first filter and that we believe it is worth helping towards a next proof point.