TL;DR: We surveyed the field and found too many consulting firms cutting corners, compromising clients, and cashing in on short-term gains. We believe startups deserve better, so we built a firm that does things the right way, from pricing to people to policy.
We recently took a hard look at the startup consulting landscape. As part of a quiet internal review, we reached out to firms that claim to support early-stage innovators seeking federal funding, particularly SBIR and STTR awards. We asked questions, requested quotes, and reviewed their processes. What we found was deeply disappointing.
“Our aim, via the 12-month engagement, simply put, is to devise a long-term multi-submission granting strategy (approach multiple funding agencies, different award mechanisms, hit multiple deadlines and allow for resubmission based on feedback when necessary). The general idea is that allowing for termination at any time means fewer applications and, consequently, fewer chances for awards. This affects our ability to rely on award fees to the same degree. Happy to discuss this further over a call.”
-Actual email from one of our comeptitors when asked if the 12-month engagement is locked in or can be cancelled.
Behind the polished websites and glowing testimonials, a different picture emerged: one of misaligned incentives, misleading contracts, and legal vulnerabilities that could put startup founders and their IP at real risk.
Here’s what we uncovered:
#1: Consultant “Success Fees” Encouraging Fraud
Many firms charge clients a back-end “success fee” if the proposal is awarded, sometimes thousands of dollars tacked on after the fact. Worse, they often advise that this fee be paid using grant funds. This is not just bad advice. It’s illegal. Federal funding cannot be used for undisclosed consultant payments, and misusing it this way can lead to grant revocation, fraud investigations, and even criminal charges. We don’t play that game. We charge flat fees, up front, no surprises, no shady back-end deals.
#2: Foreign Nationals Handling Sensitive IP
A number of firms we spoke with weren’t actually based in the U.S., despite appearing to be. Some relied heavily on foreign nationals to write proposals or shape technical narratives. In federal grant contexts, especially SBIR/STTR, this can disqualify your application and jeopardize your IP. U.S. taxpayers fund these programs to promote U.S.-based innovation. We take that seriously. Every one of our employees is a U.S. citizen, and all of our work is done in the United States.
#3: Consultant Retainers That Lock You In
We saw firms requiring $6,000/month retainers with 12-month commitments, totaling $72,000 before a single submission. When asked about flexibility, they admitted that they count on “award fees” and needed long-term contracts to protect their revenue. Startups shouldn’t fund someone else’s business model. We work on a per-proposal basis, tailored to your goals and timeline. No long-term lock-ins, no hidden fees.
#4: 1099 Contractors with No Accountability
Some consulting firms operate almost entirely on 1099 contractors, freelancers with no formal oversight, no errors & omissions coverage, and no legal obligation to follow your company’s data protocols unless they’ve signed custom agreements. These aren’t firm employees. And yet, they’re the ones handling your most sensitive intellectual property. We don’t outsource deliverables. Our W-2 employees are covered, committed, and accountable, to us and to you.
It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way
What we found wasn’t just disappointing; it was revealing. Many firms in this space have built their businesses on opacity, volume, and short-term thinking. That might work for them, but it doesn’t work for you.
Startups deserve a partner who’s invested in your long-term success, not one who hides behind confusing fee structures, vague credentials, or risky shortcuts.
We believe in doing things the right way:
- Flat-rate pricing with no surprises
- U.S.-based, U.S.-citizen employees only
- Direct, insured accountability for every deliverable
- Secure, confidential handling of your IP
- No success fees. No retainers. No games.
We built this firm for the kind of founders we want to see succeed: visionaries, builders, and problem-solvers who can’t afford to get burned. If that’s you, we’d love to earn your trust.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.