Berkeley Ventures seeks startups

Berkeley Ventures touts its Bay Area location.

A new Bay Area startup incubator says it can provide fledgling companies support beyond the typical three-month model.

Berkeley Ventures, which launched in April, is looking to assemble about a dozen early-stage startups technology startups, such as Web-based cleantech ventures, says Joe Lee, the firm’s director of business development.

Berkeley Ventures says it plans to build a customized program for each startup, extending up to two years. Its offerings include office space and facilities in its 8,400-square-foot Berkeley building with an initial period of free rent and access to facilities, plus marketing and legal assistance. Startups also receive up to $10,000 in seed funding, which Lee calls a “symbolic beginning.”

The firm is touting its location and its advisor and investor network as a major draw for new companies. Its team of industry veteran advisors includes Joel Serface, a Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Entrepreneur in Residence and cleantech expert.

Lee says Berkeley Ventures is looking for startups with up to six employees that have a solid management team, clear goals, milestones in place and that can exhibit progress on their products.

In exchange the incubator is asking for a 3 percent to 9 percent equity stake from its startups, according to Lee.