Are you a founder that needs help validating your problem? Get the tools you need and a $10K investment!
Registration for the 2023 cohort has closed
The Early Validation Academy is a program that aims to support underrepresented tech founders in identifying and validating their core problem and preparing them for the next stage; building an MVP.
The Early Validation Academy is a program that aims to support underrepresented tech founders in identifying and validating their core problem and preparing them for the next stage - building an MVP. During this first phase, founders will participate in virtual programming where they will receive mentorship and training on identifying and validating their core problem, as well as developing a strong value proposition and market strategy. The program also includes access to resources such as pitch coaching, legal and accounting services, and networking opportunities with industry experts.
The second phase of the program is an in-person Demo Weekend (November 10-11th), where selected companies that fully complete the program requirements will be invited to Philadelphia to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, mentors, and potential partners. This provides a unique opportunity for underrepresented tech founders to showcase their ideas and receive feedback, as well as connect with potential investors, partners, and other startup founders in the Philadelphia region. Individuals/companies that are selected to participate in the Demo Weekend will receive a $10,000 equity-free grant to further their business idea.
This initiative is supported by a cohort of program partners, including Plain Sight Capital, Ben Franklin Technology Partners and Comcast Lift Labs.
Submissions closed 11:59 PM EST on August 8, 2023. If you have questions, please send an email to info@1phl.org.
Program Requirements
- You are an underrepresented founder of an early-stage, tech/tech-enabled startup with high growth potential.
- You can commit to validating your idea for the entirety of the 10-week program. If selected, you will also be able to attend an in-person Demo Weekend in Philadelphia from November 10-11th.
- You are able to articulate the potential commercial value of the product
- Sector agnostic, but we are not focusing on hardware-based ideas as well as ideas in the cannabis, bi-tech, or life sciences industries
- Businesses should have received less than $250,000 in total funding (investments, loans, grants, etc.).
Program Information
- June 8, 2023: Registration Open
- August 8, 2023: Applications Close at 11:59 PM EST - Registration extended!
- August 11: Cohort Notification and Onboarding
- Week of August 22, 2023: Programming Begins
- Week of October 10, 2023: Finalists Selected for Demo Weekend
- Week of October 30, 2023: Programming Ends
- Nov 10-11th: In-Person Weekend during 1PHL Innovation Weekend
- Fri, Nov 10th: Demo Day (PHL)
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