Proof Incubator is a startup incubator and support organization that provides education, resources, mentorship, and business development assistance for consumer-packaged goods (CPG), food, and beverage entrepreneurs — including programming, workshops, coaching, and guidance rather than acting as a traditional VC with standardized checks and valuation.

Pre-Seed / Seed Support: Focuses on early concept and growth stages, especially food, beverage, and related CPG startups looking to refine operations, scale production, or enter retail channels.
(This is supportive rather than capital deployment — incubators like this sometimes help startups prepare for seed fundraising from investors.)

• Equity Taken: Proof Incubator does not publicly state it takes equity in participating startups.
• Most incubators of this type primarily provide mentorship, training, and resources — if they do take equity, it would usually be small (often ~3%–10% if any) in exchange for services according to common incubator norms, but Proof Incubator does not list a specific equity requirement online.
• Unlike VC firms or seed accelerators, Proof Incubator’s core focus is business scaling support, not making standardized capital investments with a target ownership percentage.

Submission Method: Founders typically engage via Proof Incubator’s website or local partner programs to access educational programs, workshops, or hands-on coaching rather than direct venture investment. 
Program Scope: Online courses, retail readiness training, operational planning, sales growth guidance, and one-on-one coaching. 

Sector Focus: Consumer packaged goods, food & beverage, retail products, and related small business ventures.
Geography: U.S.-focused with local partner programs (e.g., Chattanooga and community partners).
Stage: Early and pre-revenue companies that need operational mentoring, business strategy refinement, and market development. 
Team: Founders or small teams ready to scale product, marketing, or distribution.

• Program Intake & Screening: Entrepreneurs are evaluated for fit with the incubator’s focus (food/CPG).
• Program Engagement: Accepted companies work with mentors and attend workshops.
• Investor Readiness: Some incubators help founders prepare for external fundraising and investor connections but do not directly invest themselves. 

Strategic Support: Operational training, retail readiness programs, marketing and sales mentorship.
 Business Development: Improved planning, growth frameworks, and connections to ecosystem partners.
 No Direct Capital: Unlike accelerators that provide funding, Proof Incubator’s primary value is educational and infrastructure support — not cash investment.