We invest development resources in selected ecommerce brands.
Brands accepted into the Launch Program may receive partial or full development sponsorship, based on fit. This is a selective investment in a small number of brands each cycle — not a free or discounted service offer.
Apply for the Launch ProgramWhat the Launch Program is
The Launch Program is how we invest our own development time into a small number of ecommerce brands we believe in, rather than taking on every project that comes through the door. In exchange for meeting our eligibility bar, selected brands receive development work funded in part or in full by Obnold.
This isn't a discount program or a way to get cheap work — it's a bet we make on a small number of businesses each cycle, the same way we'd take on any paid engagement, with the same standards and the same team. The difference is who funds it.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis against the criteria below. We can't accept every strong business — space in the program is limited — but every application gets a real review.
What makes a strong application
These are the factors we weigh when reviewing applications. You don't need to check every box — but the stronger your answers here, the stronger your application.
An existing business, with real revenue
The program is built for brands that are already selling somewhere — not a pre-launch idea. Current revenue, even modest, shows there's a real market behind the product.
Product readiness
Your core product line should be settled and ready to sell, not still in development. We're investing in a launch, not product design from scratch.
Brand readiness
Logo, packaging, and a sense of brand identity help us move faster. It doesn't need to be polished, but it should exist.
Market opportunity
We look for a product category and positioning with room to grow — a clear audience and a reason customers would choose you.
Team capability
A team (even a small one) that can operate the business day-to-day — fulfilling orders, handling customer service, keeping inventory moving.
Marketing capability or budget
A store needs traffic to prove itself. Some plan for driving customers — whether that's an existing audience, a marketing budget, or a channel you already know works — strengthens an application.
Geographic fit
We prioritize markets where we can support a launch and ongoing operations effectively.
Shopify suitability
Your business model should be a natural fit for Shopify commerce — physical or digital products sold direct-to-consumer or B2B.
Long-term commitment
We're investing development time on the expectation of an ongoing relationship, not a one-off build — brands planning to grow on the platform long-term are the best fit.
Think your brand is a fit?
Applications take about 10–15 minutes and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Apply for the Launch Program