SoNSo Start.
Program for foundersHave an idea but no team? We'll build it with you.
SoNSo Start is for founders who believe in their idea and need someone to build the first version. We build your product and the systems around it, for a minimal one-time fee and a small stake in your company that we earn as we deliver.
Free first call. Nothing to sign until you've seen the plan in writing.
Why SoNSo Start
Good ideas shouldn't stall at the first step.
Many startups stop before they begin, not because the idea is weak, but because there's no one to build it and agency prices are out of reach on day one. SoNSo Start keeps the upfront cost low and takes a small share of the company instead, so we only do well if you do.
What you get
Your first product, and the systems to run it.
We build the first working version of your product, then set up what you need to launch it and learn from real customers.
Your product
The first working version of your digital product: a booking platform, web app, online store, customer portal or internal system, built to launch, not just to demo.
Your operations
Payments, confirmations, customer messages on WhatsApp and email, and the admin behind them, automated from day one so you're not running the business by hand.
Your first customers
Launch campaigns and tracking set up properly, so you know which channels bring paying customers.
Your traction
A simple dashboard of the numbers that matter at your stage, such as sign-ups, bookings, revenue and cost per customer, ready for your conversations with customers, partners and future investors.
How it works
From idea to launched product, step by step.
Idea call
A free call. Tell us the idea, who it's for and what you've done so far. We'll tell you honestly whether it's a fit for SoNSo Start.
Scoping
Together we decide what the first version must do and what can wait. That becomes a fixed scope, so both sides know exactly what's being built.
Proposal
A written plan with the scope, timeline, the one-time fee and the stake terms, before anything is agreed.
Agreement
Everything goes into a proper written agreement. We encourage you to have your own adviser review it.
Build in phases
We build one phase at a time and show you working progress at each step, so you're never waiting months to see anything.
Launch and support
We launch with tracking and a dashboard in place, then support the product for an agreed period after launch.
Your choice after that
Continue with SoNSo on regular terms, or take the product forward with your own team. Either way, your company owns everything we built.
The deal
Low upfront cost. A small stake, earned fairly.
We want founders to know exactly what they're agreeing to before the first call. Here's how SoNSo Start works.
A minimal one-time fee
Far below our regular project pricing, because you're at the start. The amount depends on what we build and is agreed in writing.
A stake sized to the work
Our stake reflects the value of the work we discount, not a guess about what your idea is worth. You'll see exactly how it's worked out in the proposal.
Earned in stages
We earn the stake as we deliver: part when we sign, part at launch and the rest after the support period. If we don't deliver, we don't earn it.
Your right to buy it back
You can buy our stake back at a price agreed upfront, within a set period. If the company takes off, you're not locked into us for ever.
No valuation fights on day one
Where it suits both sides, our stake converts at your first funding round instead, so nobody has to put a price on an idea today.
Always a small minority
We never take control. You keep the majority of your company and the final say on every decision.
What's yours
Your company. Your product. Your decisions.
- The majority and control of your company. Our stake is small and never comes with control.
- Ownership of the product. The code, designs, content and data belong to your company.
- Full access. Admin access to every account, tool and server we set up is in your company's name from day one.
- A proper handover. Source code, logins and documentation are handed over, so another team could take it on.
- Freedom to raise money. Our terms are written to be easy for future investors to understand, and we won't stand in the way of your fundraising.
- Freedom to choose. After the support period there's no obligation to keep working with us.
Your side of the deal
We build. You lead the business.
SoNSo Start works when both sides commit. Here's what we need from founders.
Real commitment.
You're building this business, not testing an idea on the side with no plan.
Quick decisions.
Reviews and approvals within the turnaround we agree, so the build doesn't stall.
Ownership of the business side.
You handle company registration, legal and compliance, pricing, and your content and brand material.
Customer contact.
You talk to real customers before and after launch, and share what you learn with us.
Honesty.
If the plan changes, or you're considering a pivot, you tell us early so we can adjust together.
Respect for the scope.
New ideas are welcome, and they go into the next phase or are quoted separately, so the first version actually ships.
Is this you?
We work with founders who are ready to commit.
SoNSo Start is a fit if:
- You have a clear idea of the problem and who has it
- You're committed to building the business, not just exploring
- Your product's first version is digital: a platform, app, store or system
- You're ready to talk to real customers once it's live
It's not the right fit if:
- You're looking for cash funding; we build, we don't fund
- You want a full-scale product before speaking to any customers
- You want us to run the business for you
We take on a small number of founders at a time, so each product gets proper attention.
Prepare for the call
Bring these, and we'll get much further in 30 minutes.
- The problem, in one sentence. What's broken for whom?
- Your first customers. Who will pay first, and how will you reach them?
- What you've done so far. Conversations, sign-ups, sketches, a waiting list, anything.
- What the first version must do. The three or four things it can't launch without.
- Your timing and budget. When you need to launch, and roughly what you can put in as the one-time fee.
- Your company status. Registered already, or not yet.
Don't have all of it? Book anyway. Working this out together is part of the first call.
Questions founders ask about SoNSo Start
Do you invest money in my startup?
No. We don't give cash. We contribute by building your product and systems, for a reduced one-time fee and a small stake.
How is the stake worked out?
It's tied to the value of the work we're discounting. The proposal shows the calculation, so you can see the stake is fair rather than a number we picked.
When do you actually get the stake?
In stages, as we deliver: part at signing, part at launch and the rest after the support period. If the project stops early, we only keep what we've earned.
Can I buy your stake back later?
Yes. The agreement includes a buyback right at a price agreed upfront, within a set period. Many founders use it once they raise money or start earning.
Will your stake make it harder to raise money later?
We write our terms to be simple and investor-friendly. Where it suits you, the stake can convert at your first funding round, which investors are used to seeing.
How much is the one-time fee?
It depends on the scope of your first version. It's far below our regular pricing, and we agree the exact amount in writing before work starts.
What if my company isn't registered yet?
That's common at this stage. We'll agree in writing how the stake is handled once the company is formed, before any work starts.
Who owns the product and the code?
Your company does. Code, designs, data and every account are yours, and we hand over everything at the end.
What if I want to add features during the build?
Good ideas are welcome. Anything outside the agreed scope goes into a later phase or is quoted separately at regular rates, so your first version still launches on time.
What if I decide to stop or pivot?
Tell us early. We keep only the part of the stake we've earned up to that point, and we'll talk through whether the work done can support the new direction.
Will you keep my idea confidential?
Yes. Everything you share stays confidential, and we're happy to sign an NDA before you go into detail.
Should I get my own legal advice?
Yes, we recommend it. Shares issued for services have legal and tax implications for both sides, so it's worth having your own adviser review the agreement.
What happens after launch?
We support the product for the agreed period. After that you can keep working with SoNSo on regular terms for growth, automation and reporting, or take it forward with your own team.
Believe in your idea? Let's get it started.
Book a free call. Tell us the idea, and we'll tell you honestly what the first version could look like and how the deal would work for you.
Or write to us at hello@sonso.co.in