Schedule

This is where it all begins. During Orientation, we will review the Founder Institute program structure, curriculum, tools, and requirements in detail. In addition, you will identify mentors that can help you get the most out of the program, meet the other founders in your cohort, and learn more about their ideas and skillsets. Assignments for this session include creating a plan to complete the program, watching recommended Founder Institute training videos, and more.

Large and fast growing markets have the power to elevate mediocre companies into greatness, and conversely, dying markets can doom otherwise solid companies. In this session, you’ll learn how to systematically research your market and gain a deep understanding of your target customer. Assignments include competitive research, defining your key business assumptions, interviewing additional potential customers, and more.

Your naming and positioning are the starting point for all of your company’s marketing. In this session, you will learn the components of great company names, and how to position your product effectively in the eyes of the consumer. By the end of the week, you will brainstorm and analyze a variety of names, and then select a final name after performing more customer research. In addition, you will build your first pitch deck, and begin interviewing law firms for your company.

A company cannot be successful without a solid legal and intellectual property foundation. In this session, you will learn all of the key concepts, processes, and requirements unique to building a technology company in your locale. Before the next session, you will then select a law firm, incorporate your company using startup best practices, and develop other key agreements, such as an advisor agreement. In addition, you will take measures to secure the IP you have created to date.

Quickly releasing a product is critical towards getting the feedback you need to build a successful company. This week, top product-oriented entrepreneurs will teach you the basics of product development, and how to advance from an idea to an offering on a budget. Assignments include additional customer development, determining the key features to prioritize with your product, building a product roadmap and “first release” plan, and more.

Every company needs capital to grow, and it can come from revenue or outside sources like investors. This finance heavy session will educate you on the different strategies, structures, and tactics for getting investment, as well as how to bootstrap and manage your company cash flow to profitability. After the session, you will consult with your Directors and Advisors to form a plan to capitalize your company, and take various steps depending on the strategy you choose.

Most people that enter the program do not make it to Graduation, because the Founder Institute curriculum is very demanding. However, the select few that Graduate have achieved several years of progress on their startup in just a few months. We typically celebrate the Graduating class with a small event attended by family members, mentors, investors, and more. Afterwards, Graduates gain access to the Founder Institute network, tools, and ongoing resources… and the real work of building and growing an enduring company begins!