What is Signal?

Signal focuses on depth and rapid learning cycles. We work one-on-one with founders as co-creators to test ideas and uncover scalable opportunities — no demo days or pitch deadlines.

Timeboxed, not open-ended

Each Signal collaboration runs for three months, combining structured time, active support, and shared conviction to decide if there’s a real company to build.

Built with intention

We run multiple Signal collaborations each year. We apply the same process rigor for company building with the Signal group, concentrating on the first two milestone phases of Ideation and Discovery.

A path to co-founding

At super{set}, we give you an unfair advantage. This is a unique opportunity to co-found a fully seeded data+AI startup from scratch with a team of seasoned operators, backed by a $200 Million fund.

Founder-focused

Your Journey at Signal

Signal cycles last 3 months, with frequent in-person collaboration. Monthly stipends allow full focus. At the end we decide whether we have a viable company that is worth pursuing and launching.

You will be the directly responsible individual(s) with a full team supporting you along the way.

Our goal is to seek clear  signals to critical questions along these milestones.

Market pain

Deeply understand the challenges and problems within a specific segment of buyer and user types. Is there a clear need to solve with AI-native offerings?

Use-cases

How would a user & buyer resolve their pain in a very specific way with this product offering. Is it powerful and differentiating and (hopefully) sticky to stand the test of time.

Existing approach

Pain exists with or withour your proposed offering. Do you deeply understand how users solve this today? Whether manually or with lots of disparate point solutions, how will you stand out and differentiate?

Product insertion

Architectually where does the product fit with existing systems. How would a prospective user start using and how does it integrate with existing tools?

Path to revenue

Do you have a clear path in?  Part ICP, persona and use-case with optimal  market dynamics, pressures and catalyst events with a clear path to early customer traction.

Who Should Apply

Is Signal Right for You?

Signal is designed for builders who want to move fast, test real market demand, and make informed decisions about what to build next. We work closely with a small number of founders to pressure-test ideas, validate use cases, and determine whether there’s a company worth pursuing.

Who it’s for

Product-oriented technical and business leaders in data and AI, exploring a new venture and want hands-on collaboration to evaluate real opportunities, not just ideas.

What we look for

An entrepreneurial mindset, comfort with ambiguity, strong collaboration skills, and deep curiosity about solving meaningful problems in complex domains.

Habu, a super{set}-founded company, was acquired by LiveRamp for $200 million in 2024.

"Habu would not be where it is today without Tom, Vivek, and the super{set} team."

Mike Moreau
Co-founder of Habu

It’s super easy in the grand scheme of things to build companies in this model. If you’re into the risk adjusted path to doing this, while there’s still risk embedded, it’s nicely adjusted. They’ve done a good job with the model.

Work for Superset
Max Anderson
Co-founder, Ketch

Partnering with super{set} isn't like having an investor; it's like starting day one with an entire team of seasoned co-founders. They're in the trenches with you.

Gal Vered
Co-founder, Checksum

Most people can't see startup problems from the founder's chair. Tom, Vivek, and the super{set} team can, because they've built great companies themselves. Having them in your corner changes everything. If you're a builder who's ready to move fast, super{set} will help you de-risk your idea and drastically increase your chances of hitting escape velocity.

Kian Alavi
CEO, Mazlo

Most studios are not that good. Especially for healthcare, super{set} focuses on solutions, not specific sciences or tools. They ask “How do we solve this problem?” and commit to solving it. Commitment to problem solving. Nothing beats enjoying people’s company and solving hard problems.

Erwin Estigarribia
CEO, Headlamp

I find tremendous value in connecting with other leaders across the Hive, comparing notes on the state of the broader market, and learning from their experiences.  The Hive is a force multiplier.

A man with a bald head and glasses smiling for the camera.
Xavier Zang
COO & CRO, Ketch

​​One of the things that's been awesome about being a part of the super{set} family is the expertise you get from other groups.  We’re able to work with people who have done it before and with our sister companies, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Superset Portrait
India Lossman
Co-founder, Boombox
Apply

Apply to Signal

Tell us a bit about what you’re exploring and why Signal might be a good fit.  

FAQs

Answers about program structure, funding, location, and expectations.

How do I get selected for Signal?

Once we receive your info and initial ideas, we set up a call to learn more. That's quickly followed by an in-person meeting with our General Partners. If there is a fit based on background, domain expertise and early idea, we will consider you for the 3 month program. We run ~6 each year.

Who do I work with on Signal from super{set}?

You work directly with one dedicated General Partner as  your primary contact and another as secondary. You also have access to the wider super{set} team for various needs including finance, legal, marketing and recruiting, depending on the need and timing.

Is Signal in person and what location?

Yes. We have an amazing office location downtown San Francisco and we want our Signal teams to be physically present. This gives you the opportuniy to mingle with other Signal teams and also to cross-pollinate with existing portfolio companies who are at varying stages of growth.

How structured is this 3 month period?

Signal has an established rhythm of meetings and strucutre. This is important as we're aiming to achieve a lot so it's at pace. We have bi-weekly Jam sessions where you present progress. We also have beat meetings which are 3X weekly, designed to work through blockers or make fast decisions collaboratively.

How will I know if my Signal is successful?

The tempo is high and progress will be shared with the wider super{set} team along the 3 month cycle. There is a studio day which comprises a half-day workshop at the start and end of each cycle. At that time you receive tons of feedback, followed by a decision which will be made by a wider group and not singularly by the primary GP.