Student FAQs

Who can apply to The Seed List?

We welcome applications from current undergraduate and graduate students who have skills in and around UX research and design, product management, and software development. For certain projects, we may recruit specific additional specialties. We particularly encourage applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds in tech.

What is the time commitment?

The summer program runs for 10-12 weeks, up to 40 hours per week.

School year internships are usually 5-10 hours/week but may vary.

Is this a paid opportunity?

Yes! Students receive competitive compensation for their work.

What kind of projects will I work on?

Projects will vary but may include things like: building new features, improving existing products, or doing discovery research for early-stage startups. You'll work in a cross-functional team with other students who bring complementary skills.

What support will I receive?

For the summer mentored internship, you'll have regular mentorship from The Seed List team, access to workspace at American Underground, and guidance from your matched startup. We also provide orientation training and weekly check-ins.

The Seed List doesn’t offer formal mentoring for other internships but offers ongoing events and resources to everyone in our community.

When do applications open?

We accept student applications on a rolling basis as we’re always finding new opportunities and providing resources. Applications for summer 2026 mentored internship will open in April 2026.

For Startups

What kinds of startups are eligible?

We work with all kinds of startups based in the Research Triangle area. We particularly seek to support startups with founders from underrepresented backgrounds in tech.

What does it cost?

We offer a few options. For those who just want help finding appropriate interns, we offer fee-based placement services where you’ll get a curated list of 2-3 vetted students.

If you’re interested in participating in our Emerging Leaders summer internship program, where we not only recruit but also manage and mentor your interns, we charge a program fee that helps cover student stipends and program costs. We work to keep costs significantly below market rate for comparable technical talent but will also work with each individual startup and their budget to best accommodate everyone. If you are unsure if you’re a good fit, reach out to us to discuss!

What kind of projects are suitable?

Projects should be meaningful technical work that can be completed within no more than 12 weeks. Ideal projects might improve existing functions or explore new features but aren't critical to core product functionality.

How are students matched with startups?

We carefully evaluate both student skills and project requirements to create optimal matches. Startups have the opportunity to review team profiles before final placement.

What is the startup's time commitment?

Startups should expect to attend initial onboarding and training meetings and then spend no more than 5 hours per week providing direction, feedback, and context to their student team.

When can startups apply?

We keep startup applications open on a rolling basis, or you can always reach out to us at hello@theseedlist.org to start the conversation!

For Sponsors

What partnership opportunities are available?

We offer several tiers of corporate partnership, details in our sponsorship packet.

How are sponsorship funds used?

Sponsorship funds directly support student stipends, program operations, workspace, and mentorship resources. We're happy to provide detailed breakdowns of fund allocation.

What are the benefits of sponsoring?

We offer early access to talent, brand visibility, involvement in mentorship, speaking opportunities, and direct impact on diversifying the local tech ecosystem.

Can we provide in-kind support?

Yes! We welcome in-kind support such as workspace, technical tools, professional mentorship, or educational resources. Contact us to discuss possibilities.

Other Questions

Who is behind The Seed List?

The Seed List is brought to you by a team of seasoned entrepreneurs, consultants, mentors, and educators. Originally the idea of serial founder Runbin Dong, The Seed List is primarily run by Amanda Stockwell. She’s spent the last 2 decades working in tech and currently teaches in Duke’s Design & Technology Innovation program.

Runbin is a Duke alum, first-generation immigrant, and currently building out Scale Social AI.

Where is The Seed List located?

Thanks to the amazing folks at American Underground in Durham, NC, our student teams have access to coworking and meeting space.

Some of our partners are also based out of the AU or have their own office, and work is often done remotely as well.

How can I learn more?

Email us at hello@theseedlist.org.

I have a question not answered here

Please reach out to us at hello@theseedlist.org. We're happy to help!