Two ways in. Here's how each one goes.
Both pathways are free, and both come with the whole studio. Pick the story that sounds like you, from the first call to a company ready to raise or sell.
Pathway 1 · Build Lab
Bring your own idea.
For founders who know their market. You lead the business; we bring everything else.
Step 1: It starts with your idea
You know an industry and you have seen a problem up close. What you don't have is a team to build it, a plan to sell it, or someone who has done it before. That's us.
You The idea and knowledge of your market
Step 2: A 20-minute call
Tell us the problem, who has it and what you would build first. If there is a fit, a working session follows to map your customers and the first version.
Step 3: We agree terms. No fees.
Instead of invoices, we take a small equity stake or a SAFE for services, agreed in writing before any work starts.
Step 4: We set up the foundations
Business model and pricing, the tools and accounts a company runs on, and ways of working that hold up as you grow.
We Company setup, tools and systems
Step 5: We build the product
Our product and engineering team builds your first version: web or mobile app, data and integrations. If there is hardware or a physical side, we connect it to the systems we build.
We Product, data, integrations, hardware links
Step 6: You get a team in your corner
Mentors who have led companies, working sessions on strategy, financial consulting and introductions to people who can help. As often as you need them.
We Mentorship, strategy, finance and network
Step 7: We set up operations and go-to-market
A go-to-market plan, marketing support, your website, CRM and a sales pipeline. Customers can find you, and you can serve them well.
We Operations and the go-to-market engine
Step 8: You launch. We keep building.
You lead the customers and the business. We keep shipping the product and keep coaching you as the company grows.
You Customers, sales and leadership
Step 9: Ready to raise or sell
When the company is ready, our network of investors and buyers is open to you. It's your company, so you decide what comes next.
Pathway 2 · Entrepreneur in Residence
Run one of our ideas.
For operators who want to lead a company. We bring the venture; you run it and earn equity as it grows.
Step 1: We start with an idea
We research a venture we believe in, then build the product, the processes and the operating budget around it.
We The idea, product, budget and mentors
Step 2: You apply
Tell us what you have run before: a company, a product line or a P&L. Being technical is not required.
You Leadership and market drive
Step 3: We match you to a venture
We pair you with the venture that fits your strengths and the market you know.
Step 4: Milestones, in writing
Timelines, milestones, equity and stipend for every stage are agreed before you start. No surprises later.
Stage 1 of 4 · Time-boxed
Step 5: Launch
Take the venture to market and prove people want it.
- Equity
- Stipend
- Resources
- Operating costs backed from day one
- Your first equity, once launch milestones are met
Stage 2 of 4 · Time-boxed
Step 6: Traction
Win the first paying customers and a repeatable way to sell.
- Equity
- Stipend
- Resources
- Your equity increases
- More resources to grow
- No stipend yet: costs stay backed
Stage 3 of 4 · Time-boxed
Step 7: Growth
Reach the revenue level agreed for the venture up front.
- Equity
- Stipend
- Resources
- Your stipend starts
- Your equity increases again
- A team to grow with
Stage 4 of 4 · Time-boxed
Step 8: Scale
Grow the business in its market with full support behind you.
- Equity
- Stipend
- Resources
- A stronger stipend
- Your largest equity share
- Resources to scale in the market
Step 9: Grow, raise or sell
With the business at scale, our network of investors and buyers is there for its next chapter.
Which pathway fits?
The short version, side by side.
| Bring your own idea | Run one of our ideas | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Founders with their own idea | Operators who want to run a venture |
| The idea | Yours | Ours, researched and ready |
| What's included | Product, mentors, marketing, finance, strategy, network | Product, mentors, marketing, finance, strategy, network |
| Fees | None | None |
| Ownership | Your company; we take a small stake or a SAFE | You earn equity, stage by stage |
| Pay | It's your company | Stipend starts at the Growth stage |
| Hardware or physical parts | Integrated with our systems | Integrated with our systems |
| When it's ready | Raise or sell across our network | Raise or sell across our network |
Not sure which? Let's talk.
Twenty minutes is usually enough to know which pathway fits. No deck, no fees.