The mission of the Founders School is to support and amplify the voices of underrepresented founders in the deep tech space, providing them with the tools, resources, and community they need to transform groundbreaking ideas into high-growth, impactful ventures.
Conceptualized by MassVentures in collaboration with Anzu Partners, the Founders School is a pre-accelerator program designed for underrepresented deep tech founders with a focus on empowering early-stage founders in Massachusetts, as well as founders curious about moving and building their business in the Commonwealth.
With the support of key partners that include the Massachusetts Founders Network and ven^x, the Founders School seeks to provide each founder with robust preparation for competitive accelerator programs and guide them through the intricacies of raising money in the early stages.
Founders of deep tech startups who:
How It Works
The hybrid program combines a two-week initial period of exercises, followed by a series of modules and activities. Throughout the three-month core curriculum, founders will learn more about navigating the challenges of the deep tech industry and achieve lasting success. Special emphasis will be placed on guiding founders that are often overlooked by traditional funding sources with specific strategies to overcome commonly faced hurdles. Key areas of focus include:
The MassVentures team will serve a key role throughout the program in educating fellows on the plethora of resources available in the Commonwealth as well as assist them in understanding the many entities - both public and private - that are seeking to work with a wider scope of founders throughout Massachusetts.
Key Dates
September 10 - Application deadline for 1st cohort
October 7 - Launch event and programming, hosted by ven^x
October through December - Workshops for initial cohort of founders
Meet the Inaugural Cohort
Team Massachusetts is excited to connect you with the latest and most relevant resources available for businesses. We’re here to support you every step of the way as your company grows. Through the Business Front Door, we can make your business journey in Massachusetts a successful one. Learn more at www.mass.gov/business-front-door.
