Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about BYB Ventures before you apply.
What is BYB Ventures?
BYB Ventures (Before You Build) is a feedback format for startup ideas at the beginning. Early-stage founders and people with ideas present their project to people who build, grow, or evaluate products. The goal is to quickly identify real risks: market, positioning, business model, distribution, pricing, and execution.
Who is BYB for?
BYB is for early-stage founders and wannabe founders who want honest and practical feedback before investing months or years into an idea. You do not need to have a launched startup.
Do I need to have a launched startup?
No. You can apply with an early-stage idea, as long as you can explain the problem you want to solve, who it is for, and why you think it is worth building.
Can I apply with just an idea?
Yes. BYB accepts both ideas at the concept stage and projects with a partial or complete MVP. What matters is that you are open to direct feedback and willing to ask real questions about your idea.
What kind of feedback will I receive?
Direct, practical, and honest feedback on the problem, market, customer, business model, distribution, and execution. We do not promise validation. We promise better questions and a clearer picture before you build more.
Who gives the feedback?
People who build, grow, or evaluate products — founders, operators, investors, or people with practical startup experience. Details about participants will be shared before each edition.
Does applying guarantee participation?
No. Applying does not guarantee selection. We select a limited number of projects for each edition based on relevance, stage, and diversity of applications.
Is BYB an accelerator or investment program?
No. BYB is not an accelerator, incubator, or investment program. We do not provide funding, take equity, or offer legal, tax, or financial advice.
Do I need to pay to apply?
No. Applying to BYB is free.
Are BYB editions online or in person?
They can be both. Some editions will happen online through a video call, while others may be organized in person. The format will be decided for each edition depending on participants, location, and availability.
Do I need to be based in Bucharest or Romania?
Not necessarily. BYB initially focuses on the Romanian startup community, but online editions may allow people from other cities or countries to participate. For in-person editions, the location will be clearly communicated in advance.
What should I prepare if I am selected?
You do not need a perfect pitch deck. You should be able to explain the problem, customer, solution, current stage, what you have validated, and where you need feedback.
Are the sessions public or private?
The format and any recording or publication conditions will be communicated clearly before each edition. We do not record or publish without explicit consent from participants.
Is the feedback confidential?
You should not submit or present confidential information, trade secrets, or sensitive data. Depending on the format, some sessions may be private, while others may be recorded or published only if this is communicated and accepted in advance.
Can I submit confidential information?
No. Please do not submit confidential information, trade secrets, or sensitive data in the application form. Form data may be accessed by the BYB team and processed according to Google's policies.
What happens after I apply?
The BYB team will review applications and contact selected projects by email. If you are not selected for one edition, you are welcome to apply again for future editions.