no need to reinvent the wheel
license our best-in-class accelerator program
8 or 12 module
curriculum
+ workbook
+ curated resources
+ ready-set-go templates
40+ Silicon Valley Experts
+ short video modules
+ interviews
+ diverse experts
personalized speakers
+ industry-specific speakers
+ startup mentors
+ engage your own experts
results from 150+ academy entrepreneurs
Raised Funding
paying customers
As someone with no experience in business or entrepreneurship, the Academy has been the blueprint I needed to make my idea a reality
Received grants
crowdfunding campaignS
For our crowdfunding campaign we did hit our first $50k and are now continuing to raise
Corporate
PartnershipS
found
co-founder
The Academy was a game-changer and it made us pivot in the right direction.
curriculum
&
Curated Resources
videos
&
Interviews
workbook
&
Guides
startup templates
personalize:
weekly speaker sessions
mentor community
demo day
for grant programs offer more than money - make a real difference
for funds attract new ideas and diverse startup founders
for government promote the next generation of entrepreneurs
for universities compete with your own best-in-class startup program
for corporations engage entrepreneurs for your services and offers
white-label the
benefit from 500+ years of combined startup experience from our Academy experts from Silicon valley and beyond
​
impact-focused education proven in 6 cohorts
outstanding reviews
9.5 (out of 10)
measurable outcomes
different industries
international entrepreneurs
quick launch schedule
TAKE A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES
Startup Advice From The GUILD Academy
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Anne interviewed over 150 startup founders, investors, and entrepreneurs for the Academy and at GUILD events.
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Here are a few insights into the Academy video modules with 10 selected Academy thought leaders.​
case study
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Women's Health and wellness
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Femtech
accelerator
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8 week program
2020
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with Femtech Focus
curriculum
&
Curated Resources
videos
&
Interviews
Branded workbook
&
Guides
weekly speaker sessions
with femtech experts
FDA Guides
Femtech Marketing Module
demo day with femtech investors
Participating in the Femtech Edition of the Academy 8 week virtual accelerator course gave me essentially everything I wish I had not learned the hard way!
The information presented was perfectly distilled and action-oriented. The pacing of the curriculum, the inspirational speakers provided prescient take-ways, the access to experts and the ability to ask focused questions pertaining to my startup was absolutely invaluable to me and my team.
I think everyone who is considering a startup or business, who is currently in one, or who needs some additional focused training, should go through this accelerator.
You will up-level everything you know or thought you knew about the science and art of creating and sustaining a successful business. Do yourself and your team a favor - sign up, invest the time, and get ready to 10x what you are capable of.
Dr. Julie Hakim, MD
SAMPLE CURRICULUM
8-MODULE PROGRAM
In module one of the program, we focus on VALIDATING YOUR IDEA and setting goals. Define what success looks like. Give yourself permission to brainstorm and fully discover your curiosity. Use proprietary templates to prioritize your ideas and decide which idea to take through this program.
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Study Hall Welcome: Join us at our welcome session and meet your program hosts. Prepare an introduction and bring your questions.
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Set SMART goals for the program
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Create your Idea Wallet and Bug List
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Sort your ideas
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Decide on an idea or product feature to pursue with the help of the idea decision matrix
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Find out which entrepreneur's face you are
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Decide on your secret reward when completing the program
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Meet your peers and program hosts
Module 2 is a masterclass in USER RESEARCH. As entrepreneurs we have to be brave and talk to people! This will be a big part of your entrepreneurial journey ... have a curious mindset and ask your target customer about their experiences with the problem you are solving. At the end of this module you will have talked to 5-10 users and know with confidence their biggest pain point and who you are targeting.
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Define a clear and concise user persona
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Schedule your first user interview
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Get step-by-step tactics how to reach out to users
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Utilize the ready-set-go user interview template with the right questions to ask
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Articulate the problem you are solving
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Create your first pitch deck slide
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Capture feedback in the User Emotions Template
In Module 3 you will learn how to build a PRODUCT PROMISE landing page.
Decide which no-code or low-code platform to use without tech overwhelm and which elements you need for a convincing product promise landing page.
You will test your assumptions with your first A/B test and learn which tools to use to measure success.
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Build your product promise landing page to test your problem statement
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Decide with confidence which platform to use with our proprietary toolbox
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Implement analytics to evaluate your success
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Learn how to write website copy
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Create your first campaign to capture and convert website traffic into sales
In module 4 you put on the hat of a product manager and build your MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT. You will also play Chief Branding Officer and decide on your core values.
Build a low-fidelity prototype to mimic the functionality of your solution. Prioritize key features of your product. Explore no-code tools available to build your MVP or get quotes from prototyping firms.
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Decide with confidence which features to build and cut cost
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Understand the different types of MVPs
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Choose your no-code tool to put a functional MVP together
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Build your MVP
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Create a brand deck to elevate your brand and build trust
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Define your core value and your "why"
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Articulate your mission statement and the impact of your company
This part of the academy dives into how to RUN YOUR BUSINESS. It includes a crash course in business models, finances, and how to build a sustainable financial model that supports you, your team and the growth of your company.
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In this module, you will explore the different options to create revenue for your business.
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​Learn from 50+ Business Model Examples
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Experiment and build out 5 business model canvases
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Run a test to validate your business model
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Know how to price, position, and deliver your value proposition
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Create your business model slide
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Relax with a self-care exercise
It is time to talk about all things GO TO MARKET and marketing your product or service now that you have created an irresistible brand and a business model.
Identify your target market, who to partner with, how to launch your product and which channels to focus on. You will learn the skills to start acquiring your first customers while testing if and how much they pay for your product.
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Craft a powerful marketing strategy that helps you differentiate from the competition
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Get a solid grasp on all the different "departments" of marketing
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Generate an offer that is exactly what your customers want to buy
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Understand the difference between paid marketing and organic marketing
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Measure the success of your marketing campaign with easy-to-implement tools from our proprietory Toolbox
FUNDING and which types of funding are available to your business is the big topic in this module.
Understand your funding options from bootstrapping all the way to Venture Capital. Get familiar with the pros and cons of bootstrapping, crowdfunding, revenue share models, grants, bank loans, angel investment and Venture Capital (VC).
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Confidently set course for your company and decide on your non-negotiables
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Develop a deep understanding of the pros and cons of funding options
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Look behind the scenes of VCs
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Plan your fundraising strategy
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Build a solid financial forecast
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Access our rolodex of investors
Last but not least, you will get ready to launch. Create a compelling story and prepare to PITCH by honing your storytelling skills. You iterate on your idea one more time, by building out your pitch deck.
Attend the pitch masterclass and get feedback on your pitch before joining the stage and showcasing the company you built.
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Learn in the pitch masterclass which slides you need
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Build a rock-solid beautiful pitch deck
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Learn storytelling tactics important to convince investors, advisors, vendors or team members to join you on your journey
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Get a 7-step checklist for zoom pitches
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Pitch at the demo day /showcase with investors and industry experts.