Early Riders, a venture fund devoted to Bitcoin initiatives, has introduced The Stables, an accelerator program situated in Texas Hill Country, aimed at supporting Bitcoin start-ups globally. The program provides funding ranging from 2 to 5 BTC, alongside a four-week residency and access to Bitcoin developers and operators, focusing specifically on start-ups with market-ready solutions in the financial services and technology sectors.

Michael Tanguma, the founder of Early Riders and Onramp, a Bitcoin financial services firm, articulated that the program’s emphasis lies on consumer investments with current commercial viability—essentially products that are desired and can generate revenue presently. The Stables accelerator is designed to support start-ups addressing urgent market requirements, particularly within Bitcoin financial services. The initiative aims to leverage multi-institution custody for lending, bit bonds, and real estate debt facilities, while concentrating on regions such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, where efficient fiat-to-Bitcoin on-ramps are pivotal for broader adoption. The accelerator seeks consumer-centric solutions that include secure custody, inheritance planning, and seamless fiat-to-BTC conversions to help resolve challenges faced by users attempting to safely access and retain Bitcoin.

In discussing the types of start-ups that interest Early Riders, Tanguma noted, “Historical examples are Lightning and payments. People don’t really use them. We want them to be used, and on the margins they are, but people still have trouble getting into Bitcoin—meaning converting their local fiat currency into BTC and securely storing it, while also considering inheritance and related concerns.” He further commented on the integration of USDC stablecoins by Google into their new AI programs, suggesting that utilizing satoshis instead would be more advantageous in a digital economic landscape, given their superior design and programmability features.

The Stables accelerator is currently accepting submissions and will select five top candidates for a demo day with Early Riders’ limited partners and advisors. The selected winner will receive funding between 2 and 5 BTC, contingent on Bitcoin’s prevailing price and the specific needs of the project, in addition to the four-week residency in Texas. The facility is equipped with childcare, wellness amenities, and is designed to cultivate a focused, rural atmosphere. This program is expected to be held annually, with the inaugural cohort set for the summer of 2026.

Early Riders underscores the efficiency afforded by Bitcoin: “When you have a cost of capital that is Bitcoin, which has been growing annually between 30 to 50%, you become incredibly efficient in your hiring practices and the tools you employ,” Tanguma remarked. This strategic approach emphasizes the importance of sound unit economics over growth driven by fiat currencies.

Operating on a global scale, Early Riders boasts investments across various regions, including the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Tanguma expressed a desire to inspire Bitcoin investors and rationalists—individuals seeking to protect their wealth from debasement—to engage, educate themselves, and explore collaborative opportunities. The accelerator includes a follow-on funding pathway that connects participants with over 50 potential investors.

Tanguma’s previous experience at Unchained and dealings with high-net-worth clients at Ten31 have shaped his focus on multi-institution custody, which he described as providing “10x the security of self-custody but at one-tenth the friction or time.” Ultimately, The Stables aims to foster start-ups that are pivotal in advancing Bitcoin adoption through innovative and practical solutions.

Source link