Launchpad COLA Incubator
The 12 week incubator to turn your tech idea into a real business.
If you’re serious about taking the next step, the Launchpad Incubator gives you the structure and support to make it happen.
Validate your product, sharpen your business model, and get real traction.
Whether you're testing a fresh idea or finally ready to turn your side hustle into a real business, our low-barrier tech incubator helps you:
>>> Validate your startup idea — with a proven framework from the Founder University curriculum
>>> Refine your plan and go-to-market strategy with expert support and real-world guidance
>>> Match with mentors — get practical guidance from business builders who have been there
>>> Pitch your business— get investor-ready and make connections in our venture network
CURRICULUM:
In-person sessions will be held on Thursdays from 7-9 a.m. at the Boyd Innovation Center In Five Points, Columbia, led by a community of experienced founders and operators.
12-week Curriculum Inspired by Jason Calacanis’ Founder University
WEEK 1
Founder Basics
Qualities of a founder, startup ideas, IP protection, naming your startup
WEEK 2
Bootstrapping & MVP Planning:
Bootstrapping vs fundraising, no-code tools, value proposition validation
WEEK 3
Building MVP & Business Models
No-code MVP development (Part I), SaaS and marketplace models
WEEK 4
Refining MVP & Understanding Users
Customer profiles, competition research
WEEK 5
Elevator Pitch & Finding First Users
Crafting pitches, user acquisition strategies
WEEK 6
Marketing & Acquisition Strategies
Marketing plans, TAM analysis
WEEK 7
Iterating on MVP & Demoing Product
User feedback iteration, product demos
WEEK 8
Metrics & Balancing User Feedback
Tracking metrics, prioritizing feedback
WEEK 9
Team Building & Competitive Analysis
Hiring strategies, competitive matrix creation
WEEK 10
Financials & Pitch Preparation
Budgeting, pitch deck creation
WEEK 11
Scaling Team & Refining Pitch
Team expansion plans, pitch practice
WEEK 12
Fundraising & Scaling Your Startup
Fundraising process, scaling strategies
Apply For
Launchpad COLA
In-person sessions will be held on Thursdays from 7-9 am at Boyd Innovation Center in downtown Columbia, led by a community of experienced founders and operators.
If you’re accepted, you’ll join a tight-knit group of founders meeting weekly at the Boyd Innovation Center for practical support, honest feedback, expert guidance, and the chance to pitch your idea on stage.
Applications close Sunday, September 21st.