> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.startery.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Startery Works

> A step-by-step breakdown of how Startery connects talent, startups, and partners to get real work done.

## The Big Idea

Startery makes it easy for people to work on real problems, and for teams to get real work done—with smart matching, clear scopes, and human support.

We’ve built a system that works for students, companies, and contributors alike.

***

## How It Works for Talent

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Apply through Launchpad" icon="paper-plane" href="/talent/how-to-apply">
    Our hands-on tryout process. Build something real, not just submit a résumé.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Join Paid Projects" icon="money-bill-wave" href="/talent/getting-paid">
    Once accepted, you’ll be staffed on startup projects. Get paid per
    milestone.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Level Up" icon="chart-line" href="/talent/leveling-up">
    As you complete projects, you unlock better roles, higher pay, and
    mentorship opportunities.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Join the Community" icon="heart" href="/talent/benefits">
    Access wellness tools, resources, and other top-tier builders in our
    network.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## How It Works for Companies

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Post a Project" icon="plus" href="/companies/post-a-project">
    Describe what you need. We'll help scope it if needed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="We Staff the Right Team" icon="users-gear" href="/companies/how-we-staff">
    Using AI + human review, we match vetted Operators to your project.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Work Gets Done" icon="check" href="/features/bountyboard">
    Projects run on clear milestones. You’ll see updates and can review progress
    anytime.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Option to Hire" icon="handshake" href="/features/hiring">
    If there’s a match, convert Operators into full-time hires—seamlessly.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## How It Works for Partners

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Apply as a Partner" icon="user-plus" href="/partners/how-to-apply">
    If you’re an experienced builder or advisor, apply to mentor or lead.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bring Clients or Join Projects" icon="briefcase" href="/partners/bringing-in-clients">
    Use your network to contribute directly, or bring projects into Startery.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Earn and Grow" icon="coins" href="/partners/revenue-sharing">
    Get paid for your time. Earn ownership in the platform. Help shape the
    future of work.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

<Check>Next: meet [the people we serve](/who-we-serve).</Check>