Founder Development Programming

Our founder programs are designed to guide you from idea to your first venture raise. Discover the perfect fit for your journey below!

Founder Development Programming

Our founder programs are designed to guide you from idea to your first venture raise. Discover the perfect fit for your journey below!

Founder Development PRogramming

Our founder development programs are designed to guide entrepreneurs at every stage, from refining your initial idea to securing your first venture raise.

We deeply engage with our businesses, offering tailored support to help you navigate the challenges of building and scaling a startup. Our programs ensure you are fully prepared to secure venture capital and scale rapidly by:

  • Providing insights into the funding landscape and identifying the best options for your business.
  • Offering strategies to refine your pitch and make your startup attractive to investors.
  • Equipping you with tools to accelerate growth and prepare for future funding rounds.
  • Connecting you with a network of experienced mentors, investors, and founders for ongoing guidance and support.

01.

Venture 101 Series

A quarterly series for entrepreneurs focused on the basic tools and knowledge needed to understand the world of venture capital.

For entrepreneurs curious about venture capital and what is needed to pursue it.

02.

Venture Foundations

A hands-on workshop series for idea-stage founders, offering essential knowledge, skills, and resources to confidently take the first steps toward raising venture capital and positioning their business for success.

For founders ready to start their venture journey but not yet prepared for funding.

03.

Venture Velocity Program

Our eight-week flagship cohort-based program designed for early-stage startups that provides the tools, funding, and connections needed to scale and secure venture capital shortly after completion.

For founders with business traction ready to raise their first round of institutional capital.

Venture 101 Series

Our quarterly Venture Capital series is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the foundational knowledge and tools they need to navigate the world of venture capital with confidence. Whether you’re curious about how VC works, wondering if it’s the right fit for your business, or ready to take the first steps toward funding, this program is tailored to meet you where you are. Each session dives into essential topics, from understanding the basics of venture capital and determining if your business is VC-ready to creating critical tools like pitch decks and beyond. This is your chance to gain valuable insights, ask questions, and connect with other founders on a similar journey.
Who is this for?

Individuals looking to gain a basic understanding of the knowledge and tools needed to pursue venture capital, from entrepreneurs just starting out to those who are ready to get started refining their existing businesses.

We hold our 101 sessions quarterly. Check out our calendar for the next session.

Each session will dive into essential Venture Capital topics, starting with the basics—what VC is, the types of businesses it’s best suited for, and the tools you’ll need to secure funding, such as pitch decks, cap tables, and more. Check out our calendar to see the upcoming topics!

  • Understand the types of funding available to early-stage businesses, and which is best suited for your startup.
  • Gain insight into the investor’s perspective, including what VCs look for when making investment decisions.
  • Learn how venture capital can accelerate your growth, impact your strategic decisions, and set your company on the path to scaling.
  • Explore what tools and resources are needed and available to you to consider successfully pursuing a venture capital fundraising journey

Upcoming sessions:

Venture Capital 101

A webinar that demystifies venture capital, offering a clear and concise introduction to what it means to pursue and secure VC funding.

Max Dworin

Vice President, Cintrifuse Capital

January 29th, 10-11am
Webinar

Venture Foundations

A hands-on workshop series tailored for founders to learn fundamentals toward venture readiness. With targeted knowledge, practical skills, and resources, we empower you to confidently take the first steps toward raising venture capital and positioning your business for long-term success.

Who is this for?

This program is tailored for idea-stage founders who are ready to explore funding opportunities but are not yet prepared for a full Venture Velocity Program (VVP) cohort. If you’re looking to refine your business strategy and build a strong foundation for securing investment, this program is for you. 

Venture Foundations is held multiple times a year. Detailed information on session dates will be provided in your invitation.

These sessions are thoughtfully curated to address your unique challenges as an early-stage founder and position your business for success. Session details will be provided in your invitation.

Venture Foundations is not just about theory; it’s about equipping you with practical tools and insights that will drive your business forward. You will:

  • Build a solid understanding of key startup fundamentals and the funding landscape.
  • Refine your business model and pitch to make your startup more attractive to investors.
  • Take actionable steps to position your company for future growth, including positioning your company to join programs like the Cintrifuse Venture Velocity Program.
  • Receive personalized feedback and support in a small group setting, ensuring you get the attention and guidance needed to make a real impact.

Upcoming sessions:

Session 1: Customer-Problem Fit: Finding Your Most Valuable Market Opportunity

Discover how to define and refine your ideal customer profile by understanding the key criteria that signal strong market opportunities. 

Anne Oudersluys

Founder & Chief Brand Strategist, Core Impact

Adam Tucker

Founder & Chief Strategist, Scrappy Hat Solutions

Session 2: Value First: Creating Messages That Convert

​Learn how to strategically position your solution in the market and transform customer insights into powerful messages that drive growth. This workshop will help you articulate your unique strengths in a way that resonates with your ideal customers and sets you apart from alternatives.

Anne Oudersluys

Founder & Chief Brand Strategist, Core Impact

Session 3: Financial Modeling

​Set a path for your startup’s financial trajectory with a session led by the experts from EY.
​This hands-on workshop will give you the tools to plan for growth, manage resources effectively, and present a financial story that inspires investors and stakeholders!

Tommy Hastings

Strategy & Transactions Manager, EY

This program is currently invite-only. If you're interested in participating or would like more information, please reach out to us.

Space is limited, ensuring a highly personalized experience where you can receive tailored advice and build connections with fellow founders.

Venture Velocity Program

Our flagship, cohort-based program, Venture Velocity, is designed to support early-stage founders who are ready to pursue their first venture capital raise within six months. This program offers advanced strategies, mentorship, and access to a powerful network of founders, investors, and venture partners, giving you the tools to master the fundraising process and secure your first round of venture capital with confidence.

Who is this for?

Venture Velocity is ideal for early-stage founders who have an MVP and a validated business model but need the guidance and resources to take the next step. If you’re ready to raise your first round of venture capital within six months, this program will help you position your business for success.

Cohorts are offered three times a year. For more details on the upcoming cohort and application deadlines, visit our Venture Velocity Program page.

Our Venture Velocity program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to scale your business and secure venture capital. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ll cover:

  1. Get Your House in Order: Prepare to hit the ground running with your cohort.
  2. Venture Capital 101: Understand venture capital and who’s a good fit for investment.
  3. Customer Discovery: Learn to identify your customers’ needs and buying potential.
  4. Brand Construction: Build a compelling brand that resonates with your audience.
  5. Science of Sales: Improve your sales pitch using brain science to close deals.
  6. Fundraising Strategy: Master an efficient fundraising process to save time and grow faster.
  7. Hypergrowth Team: Build the right team from the start, like a startup pro.
  8. Investor Readiness: Get direct feedback on your pitch and stay updated on venture market trends.

Ready to take the next step? Check out our curriculum on the Venture Velocity program page.

By the end of the program, you’ll have the tools, knowledge, and connections to confidently pursue your first venture capital raise and accelerate your startup’s growth.

  • Master the Fundraising Process: Learn how to craft your investment strategy, prepare for investor meetings, and navigate the fundraising process effectively.
  • Advanced Strategies for Growth: Receive mentorship on how to scale your business and increase your valuation, preparing you for a successful funding round.
  • Access to an Exclusive Network: Connect with a diverse community of successful founders, venture partners, and investors who can help guide you through the next phase of your startup journey.

We accept applications in cycles. Please review our schedule below or on our program page to find the current open cycle and submit your application accordingly.

Upcoming program application deadlines & dates:

Applications Closed

Spring 2025: Venture Velocity Cohort 2

8-week cohort program for early-stage founders looking to prepare for their first successful venture capital raise.

Application deadline: October 25, 2024
Program Duration: January 20 – March 21, 2025
Available spots: 5

Upcoming Cohort

Summer 2025: Venture Velocity Cohort 3

8-week cohort program for early-stage founders looking to prepare for their first successful venture capital raise.

Application deadline: April 18, 2025
Program Duration: May 26 – July 25, 2025
Available spots: 5

A special thank you to our generous sponsors.

Your support is changing the lives of our founders and of all that are touched by their businesses. Interested in supporting what we do? Get in touch below! 

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