Support

What does Pirates do?

Pirates is an innovation platform for enterprises to solve their business problems by putting startups to work for them.

Who should use Pirates?

Companies that want to figure out their future business, strategy and products - in short, all companies. 

Usually the innovation team, data team and product management team are the ones who engage with Pirates to create their future. 

How is Pirates different from a strategy consulting company?

Pirates is a network of startups. We believe that the best businesses are built by small, highly talented teams who have shared hardship to build a significant change in their field of expertise.

We empower our startups to use our AI platform to devise disruptive solutions for our clients. 

We build businesses, solutions and brand and don't just provide fancy slide decks. 

You can read more about the Pirates Way here.

How do I start an engagement with Pirates?

Add the Pirates slack bot using the button. 

Once you've added the Pirates bot to your slack team, tell the Pirates bot your business problem in as little as one line and our startups will propose disruptive solutions within 24 hours. 

Can I use Pirates if my company doesn't use Slack?

We are working on other modes of engagement, however, for now Slack is the only mode of engagement we support. Slack allows us to communicate efficiently with you as well us keep you up to date with the development progress in building your solution. Shoot us an email and we can engage the old fashioned way if you don't have Slack. 

What happens once I submit my business problem?

1. Once you tell the Pirates bot your problem, several Pirates startups work behind the scene to propose a disruptive solution. The Pirates bot will send you a Trello board with the solution. 
2. Once you accept the proposed solution, Pirates bot will send update the Trello board with a product/strategy building plan and pricing plans. 
3. You then have the option of going forward with the engagement with Pirates for one of the Pirates startups to build the proposed solution, at which stage you'll be asked to put your credit card on file. 
4. As the solution development progresses, you can track the progress in real time using the Trello board. 

Can I terminate the engagement with Pirates?

The Pirates startups build your solution in agile cycles. You can terminate the engagement, for any reason whatsoever, at any time. The development and billing will be stopped at the end of the current agile cycle. 

You have access to all your design assets, strategy files, code and other related material at all times.

Can I pick the startup that will build my solution?

At this point we pick the startup that builds the solution for any given client. In the future we will offer all our clients the flexibility of choosing a startup they like from our network. 

How do I keep track of my spend and progress of development?

We publish Trello boards with details of billing, product development and other metrics. You can also request the Pirates bot for any relevant details that you don't find on the Trello boards.  

Who has access to the reports?

Only you have access. You can request the Pirates bot to give access to other members of your team.

How does the pricing work?

We work in agile cycles. Each agile cycle is broken down to individual tasks and each individual task is assigned a price by the Pirates bot AI based on the complexity and the effort involved. The prices of the individual tasks are then collated to create the pricing for each agile cycle and the project as a whole.  

What stage are the startups that are part of the Pirates network in?

Usually seed to Series A stage. Some startups are in a Series B stage, looking to pivot. 

I'm a founder. What benefits does my startup get by joining the Pirates network?

1. Working capital (depending on the geography, upto $12,500 per person per month)
2. Product and business advice from other Pirates startups
3. Leads and channel partnerships with strategic clients

4. Fundraising help

What are the payment terms for the work a startup does for Pirates clients?

Payment is made in real time. As soon as you complete a task, you are paid for the task. 

What responsibilities does a startup have when it joins the Pirates network?

Startups in the Pirates network work together to build solutions for Pirates clients. You will still have enough free time and flexibility to build your own startup nights and weekends. 

Your specific responsibilities will be mapped out in agile development cycles by you and the Pirates solutions team.

How many hours of work will I have to do in a given week?

Typically 40 hours a week.

How do I apply to the Pirates network?

You can apply to the Pirates network by adding the Pirates bot and telling us about your startup. A strong technology focus is a must for Pirates startups. 
We chat with every startup that applies through the Pirates bot. We may not be able to include every startup that applies into the Pirates network, but we try and help every startup in any way we can.

Where are Pirates startups based?

Currently there are 72 startups in the Pirates network, distributed around the world. A majority of them are in the US, although we're increasing our international presence with every passing day. 

We support our startups and our clients through six hubs around the world. Startups from any geography are welcome to apply to the Pirates network.