UIG Interview Guide

If you’ve been invited to a UIG interview, congratulations! Our interviews are designed to be straightforward, so you don’t need extensive preparation. Here’s what you should know, along with tips on how to approach the process effectively.

The Basics

• UIG interviews are typically 10–15-minute conversations conducted over Zoom.
• All founders or key team members should be present on the call.
• Expect 2–3 UIG Partners to join the discussion.
• Interviewers will have read your application in advance and may refer to it during the conversation.

We recommend reviewing insights from our leadership team on what makes a strong interview. These pointers will help you understand what sets successful candidates apart.

How to Prepare for Your UIG Interview

Our interviews are concise, so there’s little time for formal presentations or lengthy explanations. The focus is simple: we ask questions and look at what you’ve built so far.

Don’t Over-Rehearse

Many candidates think that preparing extensively or rehearsing answers gives them an advantage. In reality, over-preparation can be counterproductive. Avoid:

• Mock interviews
• Slide presentations
• Pre-recorded demos or speeches

We prefer spontaneous, genuine conversations that let you explain your vision clearly. Interviews may take unexpected directions, so stay flexible and authentic.

Focus on Progress

The most effective preparation is to advance your startup between application and interview. Launch new features, improve your product, or grow your user base. Demonstrating tangible progress is the most compelling way to impress our interviewers.

Be Ready to Explain Your Company

The first question is often simple: “What is your company working on?”

Explain your idea in clear, jargon-free sentences. Highlight what makes your startup interesting, and don’t worry if the details are specific to your industry—we love learning something new from innovative founders.

Understand Your Users and Metrics

If your product is live, you should know your users and key metrics thoroughly:

• How do new users discover your product?
• What is your growth trajectory?
• Are users actively engaged, and do they return?
• What motivates new users to try your product, and what holds others back?
• What feedback or surprises have you observed from users?

Keep key metrics written down so you can reference them quickly during the call. Accuracy matters; we may verify numbers later.

Be Honest About Challenges

Every startup faces obstacles. Be ready to discuss yours candidly. We value honesty and thoughtful reflection more than overconfidence or ignoring difficulties.

If you’re asked a question you don’t know the answer to, stay calm. Thoughtful reasoning and problem-solving often make for the best discussions.

You should also be familiar with competitors and current market solutions. Be ready to explain why your solution is better or different—it’s not enough to say it’s “more powerful” or “easier to use.”

Have a Demo Ready

If possible, have a working version of your product ready to showcase:

• Software: Load it and be ready to screenshare.
• Hardware: Have it physically available or prepare a demonstration video.
• Concepts or prototypes: Make sure you can explain them clearly.

Make Sure All Founders Participate

For teams with multiple founders, each should answer at least one question. This helps us get to know the team as a whole.

Be Sincere

UIG interviews are not just about assessing ideas—they’re also about team fit. We look for founders who are genuine, transparent, and passionate about building their venture.

Post-Interview Feedback

If your team is not selected, we’ll provide constructive feedback via email. Many founders use this advice to refine their approach and re-apply successfully.

Additional Resources

For more guidance, explore insights from our leadership and community:

• Tips for a successful UIG interview
• How to effectively showcase your product
• Lessons from past founders who succeeded