How we work
A clear scope, a fixed fee, then delivery
No open-ended retainers and no surprises. You know what you are getting, what it costs and when it will be done before any work starts.
Discovery call
We start with a conversation about your product, where it stands today and where you want it to go. We ask about your market, your timeline and your budget, and we tell you honestly whether we are the right partner.
Written proposal with fixed scope and fee
You receive a written proposal that sets out exactly what we will deliver, the fee in US dollars, the timeline and the milestones. It also lists what is not included, such as third-party costs, so there are no surprises.
50% deposit to start
When you accept the proposal, we invoice a 50% deposit and start work once it is paid. The balance is invoiced as set out in the proposal, usually against milestones or on completion.
Delivery with clear milestones
We work to the agreed milestones and keep you updated as we go. You have one accountable partner throughout, and every deliverable is handed over in writing.
Commercial terms
Our terms, in plain English
The short version. The full terms are in our terms of service and payment policy.
- Fees
- Quoted in US dollars in a written proposal. The prices on this website are starting prices.
- Deposit
- A 50% deposit is due before work begins. The balance is due as set out in the proposal.
- Payment terms
- Invoices are due within 7 days.
- Costs we don’t cover
- Third-party costs, travel and taxes are billed separately unless the proposal says otherwise.
- Success fees
- Some services, such as investor introductions, include a success fee. If so, it is agreed with you up front, in writing.
- Confidentiality
- We keep client information confidential and will sign a non-disclosure agreement on request.
- Intellectual property
- The IP in our deliverables passes to you once all invoices are paid in full, unless we agree otherwise in writing.
Paying us
How to pay
By invoice
Every engagement and package is paid against an invoice that we email to you. It includes wire transfer instructions and a payment link. All fees are in US dollars.
From anywhere
Wire transfer works from any country. Bank details are only ever provided on your invoice, never on this website.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you work with pre-revenue founders?
Yes. Many of our services are built for founders with an idea or an early prototype: validating an invention, searching prior art, protecting a brand name and planning the route to launch. If you are not sure where to start, a fixed-price entry package on our Start here page is a good first step.
Can you sign an NDA before we talk?
Yes. Tick the NDA box when you request a proposal and we will put a non-disclosure agreement in place before you share anything sensitive. We treat client information as confidential either way.
Where are you based, and which markets do you cover?
SJ Ventures LLC is registered in Delaware, USA, and our founder works between London and Beirut. Tell us where you want to make and sell your product and we will confirm how we can support you there.
Can I buy one service, or do I need a package?
You can buy a single service. Each service has a clear scope and a starting price. If you need several, we put them into one plan and one proposal so the pieces fit together.
How are third-party costs handled?
Our fees cover our own work. Third-party costs, such as official filing fees, prototype materials, tooling, samples, printing or freight, are billed separately unless your proposal says otherwise. We tell you about them up front and agree them with you before we commit to them. Travel and taxes are also billed separately unless stated.
How long do projects take?
It depends on the scope. Every proposal sets out the timeline and milestones, so you know what to expect before you commit.
How do I pay from outside the US?
Every invoice includes payment instructions. You can pay by wire transfer from any country, or with the payment link on the invoice. Bank details are only ever provided on your invoice. All fees are in US dollars.
Who owns the intellectual property in the work?
You do, once all invoices for the work are paid in full, unless we agree otherwise in writing. Your own ideas and inventions stay yours throughout.
Tell us about your product.
Share where you are and where you want to get to. We will come back with a clear plan, a fixed scope and a written fee.