Stacy L ChinFounder, KeepYourEquity · I get the government to write you checks

SBIR Funding: Government Backs Risky Startups for Innovation #shorts

19 Aug 2026 · 0 min

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0:24

In this short, Stacy L. Chin critiques the common practice of startups raising capital too early, which leads to unnecessary equity dilution before they have validated their technology. She introduces the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program as an alternative model where the government provides capital to help founders validate ideas, de‑risk the science, and build market traction before approaching private investors. By leveraging SBIR funding, risky but breakthrough innovations can be prepared for commercialization and attract private investment without the early loss of ownership.

They try to raise too early, give up equity, and still don't have proof that their technology works. The SBI program flips that model. It gives you capital to validate your idea first, de-risk the science, and build traction before you even sit down with investors. In other words, the government is begging you to fund your risky startup so that breakthrough innovations can be ready for commercialization and private investment.