Launchpad
The Launchpad is the best place at the University of Oklahoma to launch a startup. Launchpad programs are adaptive to an entrepreneur’s individual needs while tackling common problems faced by all early-stage founders. We give aspiring founders the mentorship, funding, and training necessary to validate their ideas and build successful ventures. These services are delivered through our two flagship programs: The Idea Accelerator and the Founder in Residence program.
Venture Creation & Launch Programs
The Idea Accelerator is a 6-week sprint that introduces founders to key startup concepts, assists them in validating their ideas, and offers them an opportunity to gain up to $10,000 in funding. In addition, participants get to join a cohort of founders who can support one another in accelerating their startups.
Founders who successfully validate their ideas and wish to continue developing their startups will have the option to apply for the Founder in Residence program, which is a full-semester program of intensive training in sales, marketing, fundraising, and operations led by subject-matter experts.
Idea Accelerator participants are offered:
- Weekly group sessions on customer discovery, market sizing, product development, and pitching
- Optional one-on-one coaching from experts
- After-hours access to Startup OU coworking space
- Access to prototyping equipment and services
- Up to $10,000 in seed funding
Below is a sample curriculum for The Idea Accelerator:
| Week | Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| Week One | Why Most Startups Fail and Intro to Customer to Discovery |
| Week Two | How to Interview Customers and Size Your Market |
| Week Three | Sales Basics and Developing a Minimum Viable product |
| Week Four | Introduction to Venture Capital and Delivering a Good Pitch |
| Week Five | Optional Pitch Practice |
| Week Six | Pitch Competition for Investment |
The Founder in Residence program is for founders who have already validated their ideas and launched their startups. Over the course of a semester, founders will receive expert-led training in sales, marketing, fundraising, legal, and operations. At the conclusion of the Residency, participants will have the skills necessary to acquire customers, develop fundraising strategy, pitch their startups, and build serious ventures. In addition, founders will have the opportunity to pitch their startups at the conclusion of the program to startup ecosystem partners including mentors, investors, and other expertise.
Founders in Residence are offered:
- Weekly group sessions on sales, marketing, fundraising, legal, and operations.
- Required one-on-one advising from experts
- After-hours access to Startup OU coworking space
- Incubation and office space as needed
- Access to prototyping equipment and services
- Discounts on software like Notion and AWS Activate
- Connections to early-stage investors
- Up to $10,000 in seed funding
Below is a sample curriculum for the Founder in Residence program:
| Week | Areas Covered |
|---|---|
| Week One | Product Market Fit and Experimentation |
| Week Two | Intro to Sales |
| Week Three | Founder-Led Sales |
| Week Four | Customer Journey Mapping |
| Week Five | Digital Marketing 101 |
| Week Six | Legal Considerations for Startups |
| Week Seven | Fundraising Strategy |
| Week Eight | Pitch Creation |
| Week Nine | Data Room |
| Week Ten | Final Pitch practice |
| Week Eleven | Startup Showcase Pitch |
Common Application
Startup OU employs a common application when onboarding prospective members to any of its launch programs. The common application will provide access to certain program-specific questions when/if applicants select the corresponding option(s).
Common applications are currently open.
Questions About Startup Launchpad
If you are interested in learning more about Startup Launchpad, please contact Startup OU with any questions.
