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Three Month Activate Program

 

How To Apply

 

Three Month Activate Program

 

This program supports founders at the earliest stage of their journey. This three-month summer program works with both idea-stage and prototype-stage companies to build a defensible foundation toward a viable venture.

The main goal of the summer incubator is to help first-time founders validate problem-solution fit, determine customer segment, and product-market fit. Upon completion of the incubator program, founders will develop a minimum viable product (MVP) and will be eligible to apply to the winter six-month, immersive Accelerator program that runs January – June.

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About The Program

 

Program Overview

  • 20 hours of workshops focusing on (i) customer development, (ii) branding and marketing; (iii) financial modeling; and (iv) product development.
  • Regular networking events and meet and greets with thought leaders
  • Leveraging customer discovery & validation
  • Honing the value proposition
  • Building a viable business model
  • Mastering the 2-minute pitch

Program Benefits

  • $5000 in AWS credits
  • Google credits
  • Preferred rates and discounts with service partners
  • Access to Accelerator mentor network (with additional fee)
 

Program Commitments

 

ENGAGE

during the workshop sessions

APPLY

what you learn to your startup

DEDICATE

time to build your venture

 

How to Apply

 
  • Fill out the application form
  • Include resumes of all team members
  • Include a two-minute (max) video with a prototype/product demo
  • Submit an executive summary that provides a description of your company, the problem it addresses, the unique solution it offers and the size of the market opportunity
 

FAQ

 

When and where does the program take place?

Our summer Activate cohort runs from June through August. Weekly sessions are held typically one to two times per week for two hours during business hours. All workshops are hosted at the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson.

Do I have to be based in Los Angeles?

No. All workshops can be accessed digitally via Zoom. 

What is the weekly time commitment?

Each week consists of two to three hours of facilitated workshops. This program is specifically designed to provide you with the fundamental knowledge of building and launching a successful business. It is no surprise that those who are the most committed are the ones who succeed.

Is the program focused on any thematic verticals?

We welcome applications from any field, sector or industry. Everything presented and taught during the program is relevant and applicable to all sectors and industries. Our companies include various types of products and services, such as SaaS, AI and machine learning, health care tech, mobile apps, e-commerce, CPG, food and drink products, social enterprises, fashion, B2B software and health and wellness.

Are there any minimum metrics or benchmarks necessary to qualify for the program?

This program is designed for companies that are at idea or prototype stage.

Can my whole team participate in the program?

This program is designed specifically for founders. If you have additional team members that you think would benefit from a specific workshop, you can speak with the Accelerator staff.

How much does the program cost?

The program is free for all accepted companies if they are current Anderson students. Companies that are not affiliated with UCLA must pay a program fee of $1,500.

The Venture Accelerator does not take equity in or provide funding to any company.

For an additional fee, founders can access 1:1 mentoring with Anderson alumni and C-level executives on entrepreneur-in-residence days as well as curated connections to Anderson’s prominent alumni network and potential funders among LA’s thriving venture capital community.

How do I register?

You can register for the program here.

Questions?