Your First Agent, On Us

We've been thinking lately: in the age of AI, what do the next generation of founders need most when they're just getting started?

Ideas? Of course.

Courage? Of course.

A sense of mission? That'll carry you further down the road.

But unlike in the past, what many AI founders lack first isn't necessarily a team, an office, or that first paycheck.

Today, one person is a company of one, and one agent is the seed of a venture.

So for this new generation of AI founders, what they're more often missing is the model and compute resources needed to quickly turn an idea into a first version, and enough chances to iterate.

And behind all of that is real, actual token consumption.

Today, ZhenFund and Crossing are launching the Token Grant: RMB 50,000 in token credits for each selected project, supporting you from the very beginning to build the next generation of AI-native products.

It started from a talk by Jack Zhong, investment director at ZhenFund, on "the relationship between humans and agents." We realized that in the agent era, many things are changing — including the path of entrepreneurship.

On the journey of exploration, you need tokens, and you need companions.

The ZhenFund investment team and investment partner Koji will be involved throughout. We'll discuss your demo with you, iterate together, listen to the ideas you're most eager to build, and support you along the way.

You don't need to be a company. Once your idea starts running, that's enough.

Scan the QR code below to apply.

We look forward to seeing your first version.

Q: What is the ZhenFund Token Grant?

A: The Token Grant is a program launched by ZhenFund and Crossing, open to founders who have already built a first version of their product and are exploring new possibilities with AI. We provide selected projects with RMB 50,000 in token and compute support. Scan the QR code or click "Read More" to submit your application.

Q: Do I need to use a specific vendor's models?

A: No. We care more about what you're building, how you're building it, and whether it's actually running. We'll also connect you with cutting-edge models and developer resources as much as possible, introducing you to more outstanding developers. We believe the best builders will actively choose the tools that suit them best.

Q: What's the application process?

A: We'll reply by email within one week of receiving your application. If your project advances to the next stage, we'll invite you to have further conversations with the ZhenFund team about your product and ideas, and make a final decision.

Q: I'm not ready to raise funding — I just want to build the product first. Is this for me?

A: Yes. The Token Grant is not a fundraising aptitude test, nor is it our advance judgment on whether you're "fundable." It's a program to support early exploration, open to founders and super-individuals who have already started building and are turning ideas into a first version.

Q: If I've already raised funding, can I still apply for the Token Grant?

A: You can apply. However, the Token Grant will prioritize founders and small teams who haven't yet completed institutional funding and are still in the early product exploration stage. We especially hope to find projects that are polishing their first version and iterating quickly. If you've already raised funding, you're still welcome to apply; we'll make a holistic assessment based on your stage, resource needs, and product progress to determine whether this program is a fit.