吃瓜网

Quick details

• All programming takes place in person and is mandatory. 
• Scheduled programming occurs a minimum of two days per week, with a maximum of four days per week. 
• The cohort meets every Friday for lunch and to share progress on milestones. 
• Founders have daily access to program leaders. Ventures who take advantage of 1:1 sessions experience the best results. 

See complete programming and mentorship details below.

Who should apply? 

• applicants do not have to be affiliated with 吃瓜网 University
• applicants should not have a full-time job or another daily, full-time commitment outside of their venture
• while solopreneurs are welcome to apply and have been accepted, ventures with a team can simply accomplish more
• ventures should have some traction in revenue, users, market, and/or fundraising

Funding 

Accepted ventures receive a $10,000 stipend. The stipend has no equity requirement and is intended to serve as a seed fund. Accepted ventures should expect payment within six weeks after the cohort begins. 

Space 

Fellows have access to work space and resources at the StarTUp at the Armory. It鈥檚 not required that all team members utilize the space, but the space is open to everyone on the venture鈥檚 team. 

Programming and events 

All programming takes place in person and is mandatory. Scheduled programming occurs a minimum of two days per week, with a maximum of four days per week.

• Weekly top-level programming: Sessions include founder-centric topics such as leadership, company culture, how to pitch, equity, sales, fund raising, among others. All materials for review and discussion are provided. 
• Weekly lunch and milestone check-ins: Each Friday, fellows meet for lunch and to share progress on milestones.
• Subject matter experts: Experts and other founders are invited to speak to each cohort. In some cases, guests are available to meet and work directly with founders.
• Acceleration: Working as a cohort is paramount to acceleration. The vast majority of time is used for founders to build and sell their ventures, to collaborate with other founders, and to meet with the StarTUp team and others. 
• Networking: Fellows are expected to attend social and networking events to hear from industry leaders, discover opportunities, and connect with other entrepreneurs. 
• StarTUp Accelerator Showcase: Hosted each September, this culminating event, that includes a pitch event and networking with TU, business and community leaders.

Milestones 

• On day one, each founder identifies where they will be in terms of traction in 15 weeks. 
• Progress on each venture鈥檚 milestones is discussed during the Friday lunch and milestone check-ins, where the cohort shares where they are and how other founders can assist one another. 
• Examples of milestones include increasing revenue, users, markets and/or fundraising.  

Mentorship 

• Each fellow has daily access to program leaders and other mentors within the StarTUp for coaching and support.
• The most successful ventures meet these leaders daily to tailor individual needs.
• Mentorship does not end after the fellowship. It is expected that fellows continue their relationship as a cohort and with the StarTUp.