Spark Founders Program Orientation is the official kickoff to the semester, welcoming the cohort into a community built to turn early-stage ideas into real ventures. This full-day orientation introduces program expectations, key milestones, and the resources available throughout the semester, including mentorship, workshops, and peer connection. Participants will also have dedicated time to meet fellow founders and begin building relationships ...
Funding can unlock growth, but only if you understand the tradeoffs. This workshop breaks down the startup financing landscape, from venture capital to non-dilutive options, and introduces the building blocks of term sheets, valuation, and deal structure. We’ll also name real barriers founders face in fundraising and contracts, including gender bias, and focus on strategies that help you advocate for ...
This session covers core negotiation strategy, win-win outcomes, and how to understand the other side’s position (without giving away yours). You’ll also learn tactics to navigate common disadvantages founders can face, so you can show up prepared in contracts, partnerships, and high-stakes conversations. Spark Founders will walk away with: negotiation frameworks, language you can use immediately, and a stronger ability ...
A great venture starts with focus. In this workshop, participants will identify their beachhead market, the earliest adopters most likely to say “yes”, and translate customer discovery into a clear, actionable customer persona. They'll move from broad assumptions to sharper insight, helping them tighten their messaging, product decisions, and go-to-market priorities. Spark Founders will walk away with: a defined early ...
This session introduces the fundamentals of positioning, category design, value proposition clarity, and strategic differentiation, so founders can own their space with intention. They'll explore positioning maps, “moat” thinking, and how to craft messaging that resonates with the customers they're built to serve. Spark Founders will walk away with: sharper positioning, clearer differentiation, and language that strengthens your go-to-market foundation.
