Deciding whether to start a startup is a pivotal decision many people struggle with before they finally take the leap – or not. Timing, idea, life circumstances and commitment all play big factors. And deciding whether to embark on this journey is as crucial as the journey itself.
To guide you through this pivotal decision, Brian Ma and Hsu Ken Ooi, Managing Partners at Iterative with 15+ years of founder experience each, have created a comprehensive and practical program designed for aspiring founders and people who are curious about the startup journey.
We’re excited to announce our upcoming 2-week cohort-based program for aspiring founders from 26 August to 6 September 2024.
This program will provide you with the insights and tools you need to make an informed decision. Whether you're in the early stages of exploration or ready to take the plunge, our program is tailored to guide you through critical questions and considerations.
👉 Sign up for the Should You Start a Startup program: bit.ly/4dwwomS
Program Overview
Should You Start a Startup is a comprehensive, interactive program designed to help you evaluate your readiness, suitability and preparedness for starting your own startup. Over the course of this program, you'll gain:
- Suitability – Insights into who should (and who shouldn't) venture into startups.
- Self-Assessment – Tools to evaluate your own readiness for the startup journey.
- First 3 Months – An insider's view into the challenges and milestones of your first 3 months as a startup founder.
- Practical Steps – An actionable checklist to prepare you to make the transition to becoming a startup founder.
How It Works
Participants will learn about starting a startup through engaging videos, practical assignments, and interactive Office Hours. You'll learn, apply, and refine your understanding, with opportunities to ask questions and receive personalized feedback.
Sign Up
Sign up by 25 August to join the program.
Week 1, 26-30 August
- Modules 1-3 Receive these materials in your inbox. Set aside 1-2 hours during the week to engage with the material.
- Live Office Hours - Join Hsu Ken on Thursday, 30 August for an interactive session. Come prepared with questions and topics for a lively discussion.
Week 2, 2-6 September
- Modules 4-6 - Receive these materials in your inbox. Set aside 1-2 hours during the week to engage with the material.
- Live Office Hours -Join Hsu Ken on Thursday, 5 September for an interactive session. Come prepared with questions and topics for a lively discussion.
Topics
- Why You Should or Should Not Start a Startup
- Common Misconceptions Keeping You From Starting a Startup
- Are You the Right Type of Person to Start a Startup?
- Do You Need a Co-Founder?
- Lessons and Advice from Experienced Founders
- What You Should Do Before You Start a Startup
Format
This 2-week program runs from 26 August to 6 September 2024. Sign up by 25 August to secure your spot and gain:
- Video Content – Weekly videos by Brian Ma and Hsu Ken, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
- Apply What You Learn – Interactive worksheets to apply your learnings and assess your readiness, suitability, and preparedness.
- Office Hours – Weekly 1-hour sessions with Hsu Ken for personalised feedback and guidance.
Meet The Instructors
Brian Ma is co-founder and Managing Partner of Iterative, Iterative is a Y Combinator-style accelerator focused exclusively on Southeast Asia. Previously, Brian was co-founder and CEO of Divvy Homes ($2B), which raised over $700M in funding (a16z, GIC, Tiger Global). He was co-founder of Decide.com, which raised over $16M total funding and was acquired by eBay in 2013. He was co-founder of Weave (YCS13).
Hsu Ken Ooi is co-founder and Managing Partner of Iterative, Iterative is a Y Combinator-style accelerator focused exclusively on Southeast Asia. Previously, Hsu Ken was co-founder of Decide.com, which raised over $16M total funding and was acquired by eBay in 2013. He was formerly VP of Product at Weave (YCS13). He was also Chief Product Officer at Workmate, which raised over $10M total funding.
Who Is This Program For?
- Aspiring Founders – You are interested in starting a startup, but don't know how to get started. This course will provide expert guidance on taking the first steps to get you started.
- Students and New Graduates –You are a full-time student or new graduate interested in learning about startups. This course will offer practical knowledge and advice to help you understand the startup landscape.
- New Founders –You’ve recently committed to your startup full-time but need clarity on whether you’re focusing on the right areas. Gain structure and actionable insights to build your startup effectively.
- Tech Professionals –You are a tech professional considering launching your own startup. Discover the first steps to navigating the startup journey on your own.
Why This Program is Your Next Step
If you're curious about potentially starting your own startup, this program is your first step. Here's why:
- Expert Insights: Learn from successful founders who’ve been through it all.
- Interactive Learning: Engage in hands-on exercises that will give you a clear picture of your current state of readiness and what you need to prepare.
- Practicality: Receive actionable advice and tips to make an informed decision.
Testimonials
Don't take it from us - hear what participants have said about our programs:
- “Encouraging and the feedback is straight to the point. Thank you so much!”
- “It was nice to have direct interaction with Hsu Ken. Thank you for keeping it open and not a boring lecture type structure.”
- “Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful program. The effort and thought put into it are truly appreciated, and it has been a fantastic experience!”
- “It was helpful and cleared my questions and anxieties.”
Ready to Take the Leap?
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Join 'Should You Start a Startup?' and take the first step towards making this decision. Knowing whether or not to start a startup is just as crucial as starting one.
👉 Visit our course page to learn more and sign up today: bit.ly/4dwwomS
