RekindleHQ

Your startup deserves a second chance.

Let someone else take it further.

RekindleHQ connects burned-out founders with experienced operators ready to take the reins — so the work you put in does not go to waste.

The reality

You didn't fail.

Most startups don't end because the idea was wrong — they end because the founder runs out of time, energy, runway, or the right support at the wrong moment.

You built something real. People showed up. Some even paid. But eventually it became too hard to keep going, and shutting it down felt like the only option.

But what you built still has value.

RekindleHQ exists for this moment. List your startup, connect with operators who can take it further, and retain a stake in what you built — so if it succeeds later, you succeed with it.

The process

How it works

A structured, verified handoff — so both sides are protected from start to close.

1
List
Submit your startup and get vetted for real traction.
Tier 1 — 100+ waitlist signups, 50+ MAU, or 500+ monthly visitors
Tier 2 — $500–$3K MRR or 10+ paying customers
Tier 3 — $3K–$15K MRR or 1,000+ paying customersNot sure which tier? Submit and we'll place you →
2
Match
Connect with verified operators ready to take the reins.
Every operator is identity-verified, experience-assessed, and financially cleared before they can express interest in any listing.Every operator on RekindleHQ is verified before they can reach out →
3
Handoff
Complete a structured asset transfer checklist.
Codebase · Credentials · Customer data · Financial records · IP ownership — all verified complete before anything is released.Nothing is considered complete until both parties sign off →
4
Stake
Retain 3–25% equity — your upside if the startup succeeds.
Founder retains 3–25% (set at listing). Platform takes 2%. Buyer receives the rest. Your stake converts at any liquidity event — raise, acquisition, or exit.You walked away from the work. Not from the upside →

Listings

Find your tier

Every listing on RekindleHQ has proven demand. Here is how we categorize them.

Tier 1$500 transaction fee
Early Signal
Proof that people want it. Pre-revenue.
Meet at least one
—100+ waitlist or signup members
—50+ MAU (2+ months consistent)
—500+ monthly organic visitors
—200+ community members with activity
—10+ user interviews with willingness to pay
Tier 2$1,500 transaction fee
Proven Traction
Money has changed hands.
Meet at least one
—$500–$3K MRR for 3+ months
—10+ paying customers
—300+ MAU with 40%+ retention
—LOIs or pilot agreements
—3,500+ monthly organic visitors
Tier 3$2,500 transaction fee
Established but Stuck
Real momentum. Needs the right operator.
Meet at least one
—$3K–$15K MRR with revenue history
—500+ MAU with 55%+ retention
—1,000+ paying customers
—6,000+ monthly organic visitors
—Signed contracts or enterprise ARR

Who it's for

Built for both sides

For Founders

Turn your startup momentum into a second life.

You have traction but cannot continue
You are stepping away and want a clean transition
You would like to retain upside if it succeeds
You believe another operator could take it further

For Operators

Acquire and build on something already in motion.

Skip the zero-to-one phase entirely
Find projects with real users or revenue
Apply your skills, experience, or capital to execute
Earn meaningful equity in a proven foundation

Give your startup the chance it deserves.

Join the waitlist. We'll be in touch before we open to the public.