SERIES A CIRCLE
Proven Founders.
Community.
A program to help Series A stage founders build community with each other.
Series A Circle is our program for founders that have raised their Series A round. Our commitment is to connect these ambitious entrepreneurs with a network of fellow founders who are navigating similar challenges and growth stages, fostering an environment of mutual support, shared experiences, and collaborative problem-solving. This community is designed to be a key part of their journey, offering insights, encouragement, and valuable connections that propel their ventures forward.
HOW WE UPHOLD OUR COMMITMENT
Through a combination of bi-monthly accountability group huddles, peer connections, warm introductions, and mental health support sessions, our Series A stage program empowers founders to navigate the complexities of the Series A journey with confidence and resilience.
Performance Partner: Dedicated business coach that leads your huddles and meets with you 1:1 each month.
CEO Circles: 60 minute video calls with other Series A founders held the 4th Monday of each month where you can ask for strategic help on a business topic Some people may call these standups.
Bi-Monthly 1:1’s: 25 minute meetings with your Performance Partner to dig deeper into your company.
Online Community: Invites to program events like mental health sessions and partner events.
Founder + VC Industry Roundtables: Held every 2nd Thursday on video, founders and investors in industries such as Health Education, FinTech, and many more to discuss industry trends, news, opportunities, and more.
All Founders Need Therapy sessions: It’s hard being the leader. Held every 3rd Thursday on video and in select cities in person, this support group gives you the platform to vent about frustrations you’re having being an entrepreneur to other entrepreneurs.
Perks & Discounts: Access to 150+ discounts on products you’ll need to operate your startup and perks with brands like citizenM Hotel.
Recommended Product & Service Providers: Vetted service providers (legal, accounting, tech, etc) that you can hire and products that are good for startups.
Special Event Invitations: Invites to events dinners, happy hours, etc. especially during conferences.
Founder Platform: online portal to view the founders, coaches, investors, and the community, access perks and discounts, and more.
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it required to have already raised our Seed round?
We’re looking for startups that have already closed their Seed round. However, “seed round” can have varying definitions and “closed” can be a lengthy process and we understand. Regardless, we have a program for pre-seed startups.
How is this different from existing entrepreneur support programs?
It is meant to compliment them. Seed Stage is a more like a community. We’re providing access to high-powered social networks in an effort to improve your social capital after you come out of other programs.
How much does it cost for a startup to participate in the program?
Zero. It’s completely free. And we don’t take any equity. Fundamentally, we don’t believe in charging founders for support. We only ask that you “pay” with your time and effort.
Do you take equity in my company?
Nope. However if a partner wants to make an investment in your startup outside of the official program, then those terms are worked out between you and them.
How is it possible that this is free?
Because our amazing sponsors, partners, and volunteers want to help create a better world.
What is the time commitment?
Great question. Its designed to not pull you away from building your company. Expect about 3 hours a month at minimum, and more if you’d like more assistance. Main thing is keeping in contact with your Performance Partner as well as the people we put you in touch with.
Is this initiative only for for-profit companies or can non-profits take part?
Next Generation is best for tech startup for-profit companies.
Is funding provided as part of the program?
Nope, but we do provide a ton of free resources and direction to funding opportunities.
Do I have to be currently fundraising in order to be part of the program?
Nope, but you should be raising within the next 12 months. We’ve designed the program to help you get to the next funding level.
Can I be a solo founder?
We prefer teams of 2+ people as it increases the likelihood of success. It takes a lot to be successful, and it is extremely difficult for one person to do by themself. But if you’re good, then you’re good.
Do we have to be full-time founders?
For the amount of human and social capital we invest, we’re looking for founders that have committed to their companies full-time.
How are you defining diverse founders?
We define “diverse” as people from groups underrepresented in tech: Black, Latinx, and women (from any background), military veterans, LGBTQ+, etc.
How are you defining social entrepreneurs?
We’re defining social entrepreneurs as they those working on economic development, financial access, education, environmental sustainability, health, and safety. The founders may be of any ethnicity.
Can my company participate if we've been a part of an accelerator?
Yep. We’ve designed this program to compliment accelerators, and serve as a support system for accelerator alumni.
Do you think it would still be helpful for us to apply if we don’t need to raise money for a while?
We think so. We only make introductions to investors if it makes sense for the startups. But potentially getting strategic partnerships from large companies is helpful to most startups, and the process of preparing for investors is great whether you go for it or not. It makes your company better.
What is the application process like?
Our application process includes a company application and Funding Level self-assessment as well as video interviews for those that make it past an initial vetting process.
Is the programming in-person or virtual?
Our programming is virtual-first, and in-person in select cities on special occasions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: PARTNERS + SPONSORS
My organization is part of the entrepreneur support ecosystem. What role can we play?
There’s a bunch of ways to plug in depending on what you want. We can refer startups to your program for training, and/or you can send them our way. You could also provide strategy, product development, marketing, and design coaches.
My company is part of the corporate ecosystem. What role can we play?
In a few different ways. The biggest opportunity is partnering with a company for a pilot. Also, you could serve as industry expert coaches. And you can always be a sponsor!
My organization is part of the social good ecosystem. What role can we play?
You can really help the impact startups whether it’s with domain-specific advice and connections or assistance with strategizing for funding. And, like the others, sponsors are always welcome.
As a sponsor, what type of role can I play?
Great question! Thanks for asking:) To really reach this program’s potential, we’re looking for financial, venue, and food/beverage sponsors.
