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Launch: A Community for Early-Stage Founders
Are you a Duke student with a big idea and the drive to build something new? Launch offers personalized support, a tight-knit community, and early access to funding and founder-focused resources—exclusively for invited early-stage founders. Whether you're just shaping your idea or building your first prototype, Launch helps you take the next step.
What You’ll Get
Supportive Community
- Bi-weekly meetups with other early-stage student founders (starting September)
- Expert-led sessions on building, pitching, and scaling
- Space to share progress, challenges, and ideas
- Bring your co-founder along
Priority Access & Visibility
- Early access to visiting venture capitalists and Duke alumni investors
- Invitation to Founders Weekend this fall
- Priority consideration to pitch at the Duke Startup Showcase (April 9, 2026)
Funding
- Up to $1,000 in non-dilutive funding each semester to move your venture forward
What’s Expected of You
Participation in Launch is designed to be flexible but meaningful. The more you put in, the more you'll gain—from insight and support to visibility and traction.
- Bi-weekly sessions: Join cohort meetups every other Thursday for coaching, connection, and hands-on learning.
- Engaged community building: Collaborate with fellow founders during and between sessions. Share challenges, wins, and advice.
- Founder storytelling: Help inspire others by sharing your journey through blog posts, campus events, or social media spotlights.