Square One Startup School offers a training program designed to assist pre-product and pre-revenue startup founders in validating their ideas and transforming them into viable businesses. The program provides a cost-efficient path for building high-growth tech startups by offering access to experienced startup operators and a community of fellow founders. Its curriculum emphasizes practical execution and tangible outcomes for participants.
Program Overview
• Program Name: Square One Startup School Pre-Accelerator
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Format: Fully remote, virtual-first
• Objective: To help early-stage tech founders build their first product, secure their first customers, and prepare to raise investment.
• Curriculum Focus: The program integrates hands-on software-building into its workshops, enabling founders to create early versions of their product, sales funnels, and fundraising materials without relying entirely on external developers.
Program Tracks
Participants can select a program track aligned with their current stage and goals:
• BUILD: For founders with a validated concept who are pre-product and working toward building a prototype.
• SELL: For founders with a functional product who are pre-revenue and focused on acquiring paying customers.
• SCALE: For founders with paying customers who are pre-seed and preparing to raise institutional investment.
Key Features and Benefits
• Guidance: A workshop-style curriculum led by subject matter experts, complemented by insights from experienced founders and one-on-one feedback opportunities.
• Built-in Community: Participants join small cohorts of founders at similar stages, fostering accountability and peer-to-peer support.
• Resourceful Tools: Access to free or discounted tools through partnerships with platforms such as Bubble, Mailchimp, HubSpot, and Meta.
• Equity-Free and Tuition-Free: The program is offered at no cost and does not take equity from participating startups.
• Investor Exposure: Participants gain opportunities to connect with angel investors and startup ecosystem supporters.
• Showcase Opportunity: Graduates may participate in a startup showcase event.
Applicant Profile and Focus
• Target Audience: Early-stage, tech-enabled startup founders from around the world.
• Geographic Scope: Open globally, with strong ties to the U.S. Southeast startup ecosystem.
• Ideal Applicant: Founders who are pre-product, pre-revenue, or preparing for their first institutional raise.
Application Details
• Application Status: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• Next Cohort: Cohort 10 is scheduled to launch in Spring 2026.
• Application Deadline: 14 February 2026, 05:59 GMT+1. Applicants should confirm timelines on the official website as dates may change.
Community Membership
Beyond the pre-accelerator, Square One Startup School offers a broader membership community. Members gain access to:
• Virtual workshops
• Online courses
• Templates and frameworks
• Exclusive benefits and partner discounts
The program is designed for early-stage founders ready to accelerate their startup journey through structured guidance, community support, and practical execution.