Founding CEO Track

Program and community for CMU alumni
aspiring to be founding CEOs

About the program

This track is an exclusive program for CMU alumni featuring a series of talks, AMAs, and group discussions.

  • 6-week program from Oct 15 - Nov 19, every Thursday (5-7pm PST)
  • First half of each session will be discussion led by CMU founding CEOs, second half will focus on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
  • Fully virtual via Zoom
  • Cohort size of 15-20
  • Strong focus on building community
  • Connect with folks from Technical Founder Track and Founding Designer Track
  • Continued support and resources after the program as you continue your journey
Apply now!

Why we built this

Many CMU alumni in the community have told us that having greater support & guidance would help them more confidently start a company. We want to help by providing insights on several important topics, in collaboration with experienced founders.

We’re launching the Founding CEO Track for aspiring founders who are currently working full time and have the intention of starting a company within the next couple years. Over the course of six weeks, you’ll engage with a community of like-minded peers and experienced founders to cover important topics such as recruiting, validating an MVP, and fundraising. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the frameworks to make decisions, common mistakes to avoid, and a trusted group of friends & mentors to help you succeed.

By the end of this track, you should be able to...
Navigate with confidence
Build the confidence and essential toolkits to navigate a startup as a founder
Access a network of mentors
Learn from and build meaningful relationships with senior CMU alumni
Build community with like-minded founders
Be part of community of entrepreneurial alumni who will continue to support each other

Types of events

Sample Topics

Recruiting
Company Culture
Building Your MVP
Measuring KPIs
Choosing a Business Model
Traction/Growth
Raising Capital
Common Mistakes
Choosing a Co-Founder

Frequently asked questions

Who should apply?

Any CMU alumnus considering starting his/her own company as the founding CEO sometime in the future.

Do I need to be looking to found a startup immediately to apply?

No at all! Maybe you’re starting to explore ideas that you're interested in today or you're considering starting a company sometime in the future.

Am I eligible if I'm already working on my startup full-time?

Unfortunately if you are working on your own startup full-time you are not eligible for this program. This program is intended for future founders who have yet to start their own company.

We are working on new initiatives to support current CMU founders. Please fill out this interest form to be involved in those: https://airtable.com/shrVwDCFkhtNfDwfU

What is the format and commitment?

The program will run over 6 evening sessions every Thursday from 5-7pm PT. First half of each session will be discussion led by CMU founding CEOs, second half will focus on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.

Commitment is attending each of these 6 weekly sessions.
The dates are: Oct 15, Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19.

Can I join the program if I’m not based in the Bay Area?

Yes! The program is fully virtual, so you can participate from anywhere as long as the timing works for you (5-7pm PT every Thursday).

How much does the program cost?

The program is completely free (no cost or equity component). We are proud to be able to support the CMU community.

What is the application deadline?

Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 11:59pm PT

Get involved

Speaker
  • Share your experiences and learnings as a founder with the group.
  • We can work with you to find format you are most comfortable with (presentation, fireside chat, AMA, facilitating discussion, etc)
  • Commitment: 1hr Zoom on Thursday evening
Mentor
  • If you’re open to being a resource for CMU alumni participating in the program
  • We can work with you to find structure that is most effective such as setting up Office Hours, answering questions in a Slack channel, or connect to you with individuals you are well-positioned to help
  • Commitment: as your schedule permits
Advisor
  • If you’re open to providing feedback as we develop curriculum and structure of the program
  • Commitment: as your schedule permits
Apply to the Founding CEO Track today!
Apply now!