GUILD ACADEMY 8 WEEKS TO LAUNCH April 1 - May 24, 2024 >> Applications Open
GUILD Angel Investing Program June 3 - June 28, 2024 >> Enrollment Open
Pitch your business in 8 Weeks
Dare To Launch
April 1- May 24, 2024
Join this program to take action together with a community of diverse entrepreneurs. Validate your idea and get a crash course in all things entrepreneurship to launch and fund your business.
Present to investors and startup leaders and get selected for a trip to Silicon Valley*.
IS THIS YOU?
I want to validate my business and would love to learn how to monetize it.
I admire entrepreneurs who build impactful businesses.
I want to learn from them.
I wonder if I can take my research and start a company.
I'd like to surround myself with scientists and entrepreneurs on my innovation journey.
I want to be more effective in pitching my business so that others join me on my journey.
I want to tell a powerful story to fundraise for my business.
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THE GUILD ACADEMY PROGRAM
The GUILD Academy is for you if you are an entrepreneur with an idea or a research project interested in learning how to build a scalable business.
The 8-module program provides the foundation for startup success.
8 Modules with short video masterclasses in each module full of advice by world experts in building successful businesses (no blah blah)
Your personal Workbook with practical exercises
A Toolbox and recommendations with the best software tools and solutions for your journey as a builder and founder
PLUS:
E-copy of the book DARE TO LAUNCH with lots of case studies from the GUILD Academy participants by Anne Cocquyt.
Complete all tasks and showcase your startup the Startup Showcase at the end of the program for a chance to be selected to participate in a trip to Silicon Valley Sep 2-6, 2024
Weekly session life online sessions with Program Host and Guest Speakers
Work with your Accountability Partner for feedback and ongoing support
Read-Set-Go Startup Templates (Examples: Idea decision matrix, user interview templates, business model canvas, co-founder checklist, fundraising pipeline, ready to launch checklist, ...)
Highly curated content libraries with up-to-date articles, podcasts, recordings, books and tools to dive deeper
Get your questions answered within 24 hrs (and many times within minutes) right in the course activity feed.
Lifetime access to all course materials
SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
Listen to what Chelsey Glasson, Founder of Crucé has to say:
Enrolling in the GUILD Academy was on my bucket list for a while, and boy am I happy that I finally took the leap and completed the course! I've worked in product development and design for over a decade at some of the world's most notable tech companies including Google and Facebook. All those years I dreamed of using my skills to start my own company, but I hadn't the slightest clue as to how to get started.
Launching a company felt risky, daunting, complicated...surely not something I could do.
In just eight weeks I went from idea to launching a public benefit corporation ..., all thanks to the GUILD Academy and Anne Cocquyt's fantastic coaching.
Chelsey Glasson, Founder of Crucé
WHAT IF YOU, TOO COULD...
... launch your idea in 2 months
... turn your research into a business
... create impact in the world
... convince others to buy into your vision
... monetize your idea
... raise money for your business
Anne Cocquyt is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and super-connector in the US startup ecosystem. After building partnerships for Genentech’s innovation team, she founded her own startups and serves as an advisor to tech startups, digital health startups, a fund, angel investors, and corporate innovators. Anne lectures entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley.
Anne is the founder of The GUILD and author of the entrepreneurship best-seller Dare to Launch.
"Nothing gives me more joy than seeing founders have breakthroughs, get their first paying customers, raise funding, and discover the path of entrepreneurship."
MEET YOUR PROGRAM HOST
ANNE COCQUYT
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THE GUILD ACADEMY
TO LAUNCH YOUR STARTUP
SILICON-VALLEY STYLE
In module one of the program, we focus on VALIDATING YOUR IDEA and setting goals. Define what success looks like. Give yourself permission to brainstorm and fully discover your curiosity. Use GUILD templates to prioritize your ideas and decide which idea to take through this program.
Study Hall Welcome: Join us at the GUILD study hall session and bring your questions.
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Set SMART goals for the program
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Create your Idea Wallet and Bug List
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Sort your ideas
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Decide on an idea to pursue with the help of the idea decision matrix
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Find out which entrepreneur's face you are
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Decide on your secret reward when completing the program
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Meet your peers
Module 2 is a masterclass in USER RESEARCH. As entrepreneurs we have to be brave and talk to people! This will be a big part of your entrepreneurial journey ... have a curious mindset and ask your target customer about their experiences with the problem you are solving. At the end of this module you will have talked to 5-10 users and know with confidence their biggest pain point and who you are targeting.
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Define a clear and concise user persona
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Schedule your first user interview
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Get step-by-step tactics how to reach out to users
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Utilize the ready-set-go user interview template
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Articulate the problem you are solving
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Create your first pitch deck slide
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Capture feedback in the User Emotions Template
In Module 3 you will learn how to build a PRODUCT PROMISE landing page.
Decide which no-code or low-code platform to use without tech overwhelm and which elements you need for a convincing product promise landing page.
You will test your assumptions with your first A/B test and learn which tools to use to measure success.
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Build your product promise landing page to test your problem statement
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Decide with confidence which platform to use with the GUILD toolbox
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Implement analytics to evaluate your success
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Learn how to write website copy
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Create your first campaign to capture and convert website traffic into sales
In module 4 you put on the hat of a product manager and build your MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT. You will also play Chief Branding Officer and decide on your core values.
Build a low-fidelity prototype to mimic the functionality of your solution. Prioritize key features of your product. Explore no-code tools available to build your MVP.
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Decide with confidence which features to build and cut cost
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Understand the different types of MVPs
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Choose your no-code tool to put a functional MVP together
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Build your MVP
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Create a brand deck to elevate your brand and build trust
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Define your core value and your "why"
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Articulate your mission statement and the impact of your company
This part of the academy dives into how to RUN YOUR BUSINESS. It includes a crash course in business models, finances, and how to build a sustainable financial model that supports you, your team and the growth of your company.
In this module, you will explore the different options to create revenue for your business.
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Learn from 50+ Business Model Examples
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Experiment and build out your business model canvases
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Run a test to validate your business model
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Know how to price, position, and deliver your value proposition
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Create your business model slide
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Relax with a self-care exercise
It is time to talk about all things GO TO MARKET and marketing your product or service now that you have created an irresistible brand and a business model.
Identify your target market, who to partner with, how to launch your product and which channels to focus on. You will learn the skills to start acquiring your first customers while testing if and how much they pay for your product.
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Craft a powerful marketing strategy that helps you differentiate from the competition
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Get a solid grasp on all the different "departments" of marketing
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Generate an offer that is exactly what your customers want to buy
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Understand the difference between paid marketing and organic marketing
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Measure the success of your marketing campaign with easy-to-implement tools from the GUILD Toolbox
FUNDING and which types of funding are available to your business is the big topic in this module.
Understand your funding options from bootstrapping all the way to Venture Capital. Get familiar with the pros and cons of bootstrapping, crowdfunding, revenue share models, grants, bank loans, angel investment and Venture Capital (VC).
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Confidently set course for your company and decide on your non-negotiables
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Develop a deep understanding of the pros and cons of funding options
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Look behind the scenes of VCs
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Plan your fundraising strategy
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Build a solid financial forecast
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Access the GUILD's rolodex of investors
Last but not least, you will get ready to launch. Create a compelling story and prepare to PITCH by honing your storytelling skills. You iterate on your idea one more time, by building out your pitch deck.
Attend the pitch masterclass and get feedback on your pitch before joining the stage and showcasing the company you built.
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Learn in the pitch masterclass which slides you need
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Build a rock-solid beautiful pitch deck
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Learn storytelling tactics important to convince investors, advisors, vendors or team members to join you on your journey
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Get a 7-step checklist for zoom pitches
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Pitch at the GUILD startup showcase at the next SERENDIPITY summit with investors and pitch experts (optional!)
LISTEN TO WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY
Participating in the Guild Academy 8 week virtual accelerator course gave me essentially everything I wish I had not learned the hard way!
The information presented was perfectly distilled and action-oriented. The pacing of the curriculum, the inspirational speakers provided prescient take-ways, the access to experts and the ability to ask focused questions pertaining to my startup was absolutely invaluable to me and my team.
I think everyone who is considering a startup or business, who is currently in one, or who needs some additional focused training, should go through this accelerator.
You will up-level everything you know or thought you knew about the science and art of creating and sustaining a successful business. Do yourself and your team a favor - sign up, invest the time, and get ready to 10x what you are capable of.
Dr. Julie Hakim, MD and Founder of a Vaginal Stent
APPLY TODAY
April 1- May 24 2024
Lifetime Access
$1995
USD
Enjoy lifetime access to
- GUILD Academy Course
- All video content
- Updated resources
- Workbook
- DARE TO LAUNCH e-book
- Weekly speaker sessions
- 24/7 support
Submit 5/8 tasks and pitch at the next GUILD Academy showcase with investors
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
You are eligible for a refund after submitting 4 modules of coursework within 4 weeks.
If you tell us that you didn't see the value, we will refund you, no questions asked.
APPLY TODAY
AND GET AN ADDITIONAL $797 IN BONUSES
Break into the world of Silicon Valley and Startups
Bonus 1: List of more than 400 female-focused startup ecosystem partners like angel groups, investors, VC firms, educational programs, startup competitions and more
(value: invaluable)
Bonus 2: Metrics and Market Masterclass - Deep dive on product and business metrics to set up your company dashboard for full control
(value $299)
Bonus 3: Financial Planning Crash Course - How much will be in your bank account in a year from now? How much funding do you need?
(value $299)
Bonus 4: COO checklist - a comprehensive guide to make sure you got your bases covered
(value $199)
Tools, guides and templates you will have access to
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A matrix to help you overcome idea paralysis
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Making user interviews less daunting and more fun with ready-set-go User Interview templates
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Survey Canvas - How to get insights, not just answers
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Instructions for creating your Product Promise Landing Page in a weekend
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30 tools to simulate any MVP no matter how techy your industry
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Marketing Channel Prioritization System to choose your channel without social media overwhelm
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The Pirate Funnel Template: Don’t let 98% of the traffic on your website slip away - Understand the power of lead magnets and the pirate funnel
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Mindmap: Create Content Ideas for 6 months in 2 hours
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Avoiding accounting mess - The accounting system that works for you not against you
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Tools and templates how to incorporate with confidence without hiring $1,000/hr lawyers
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Your company dashboard and your Northstar Metric
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Recipe for cooking up your first engaging email marketing campaign and how to automate emails
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A beautiful Workbook with exercises, motivation and explanation each week
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Beyond colors and fonts - a guide of how to develop your brand, strategy, values and a brand book
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Business Model Canvas - case studies of different business models and how to test them
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I need money - funding checklist on which questions to ask before deciding on how to fund your business
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Fundraising Strategy 15-step to-do list
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Investor Pipeline template
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Hire like a pro - Step by step guide on how to set up a hiring process
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Startup Templates, advisor agreements, employee contracts and NDAs to make startup life easy
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Sales teams - tip sheet on how to get the best performance from your sales team
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Working with contractors and agencies - what to think about before pulling the trigger
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Co-Founder decision support framework - Do I need a co-founder?
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Co-founder Checklist to ensure you talked about everything before s*** hits the fan
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Startup COO 101 - setting up structure and process for early-stage companies without red tape
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Company Update - 5 tips on how to structure a concise company update and activate your advisors and investors
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Self-care Exercises in each module to keep you happy and healthy
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Business Readiness Checklist - Are you ready to take the leap?
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Beautiful Online Platform and App with all course materials
We don't just copy one approach that's proven in the startup world. We use our own concoction of the latest methodologies, proprietary templates, and highly curated resources based on what worked for entrepreneurs and investors who just successfully launched their business, raised funding, or invested in startups.
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DON'T TAKE OUR
WORD FOR IT
"As someone with no experience in business or entrepreneurship, the academy has been the blueprint I needed to make my idea a reality.
It provided the exact steps and the right resources for me to launch my MVP and get the first paying customers.
Anne & her team did a phenomenal job with the content, and choosing the right experts. They supported us every step of the way, answering questions, providing perks, webinars, resources, basically anything we needed.
The 1:1 sessions with Anne were invaluable to get the feedback I needed on my pitch and progress. I'll definitely refer back to the learnings from the academy often as I progress with my business. It's been one of the best decisions I've made. Thank you GUILD academy!"
Lirida Kercelli, Founder Learnable
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
leap into entrepreneurship
You can access a new module of the program at your own pace.
If after unlocking 4 modules you are not convinced that this program will help you take the leap into entrepreneurship, submit 4 modules worth of coursework and we will issue a full refund. We ask for the coursework because we believe in the transformational power of the program and want you to experience it too.
GUILD Academy Total Value: $18,797
YOUR GUILD Academy investment:
$1995
Here is what's included in the GUILD Academy
-
8-Module GUILD Academy Program + Weekly Live Sessions
This 8-Module system has been created with 50 of the most relevant experts in entrepreneurship from Silicon Valley
value $10,000
-
Ready-Set-Go Templates and Checklists
These templates have been developed with entrepreneurs, experts in finance, lawyers and user researchers to bring you the most relevant checklists, templates and guides to launch your business without having to reinvent the wheel
value $5,000
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Bonus Materials
The bonus materials and masterclasses to build your team and organize your business as well as operating with a company dashboard that investors will appreciate is a mini MBA in business operations in itself.
value $797
-
24/7 startup support for 8 weeks
Get 24/7 guidance and encouragement from our team of startup coaches and experts via chat on the GUILD platform - get your questions answered within hours.
value $3,000
Am I the right fit for the program?
FREE BUSINESS READINESS CHECKLIST
This comprehensive 30 question Yes / No checklist has been developed with experts from the GUILD Academy program.
Get instant access to the business readiness checklist.
BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION WITH OUR TEAM AT THE END OF THE CHECKLIST
TYPICAL SCHEDULE & TIME COMMITMENT
8 modules
Unlock new modules at your own pace (recommended 1 module per week)
30 min video content
60 min - 120 min optional video or reading content per module
Build Your Startup Exercises We recommend 2-3 hrs each week to put learnings into action
+ weekly live sessions
8 x 1.5 hrs sessions
Wednesdays 12-1:30pm PST
30 min Accountability Partner Check In Optional
one-time
Optional 1.5 hr Startup Showcase to pitch your company for a chance to attend the Silicon Valley trip
"GUILD Academy founder Anne Cocquyt's book DARE TO LAUNCH - Mini-MBA for First Time Entrepreneurs is an amazingly honest, refreshing, and action focused step by step guide for those ready to put their dreams and grand ideas to the test and embark on successful entrepreneurial journeys."
- Julie Castro Abrams, CEO & Founder of How Women Lead
"I have been coached by Anne years ago when I was an Executive in a company but also very recently when I just launched my first business. I keep coming back to her because of her caliber. Her experience as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, community builder, and business coach is simply amazing."
Claire Saccoccini, Founder at The Graceful app
“I met Anne a decade ago in San Francisco, watched her innovate and mentor startups, and always impressed by her rigor and dedication. She writes from down-in-the-trenches expertise, and knows which methods and strategies have a better chance of success. Still on the fence? Anne will get you to launch.”
- Jonathan Littman, best-selling coauthor with IDEO of The Ten Faces of Innovation
"After the 1:1 call with Anne I was beaming with energy (smiling!), and felt so much clarity with where I wanted to go with my business- and how I was going to get there. Anne helped me break down actionable steps towards a launch, what once seemed like mountains to climb, and I could even start this week. Thank you!"
Madeline McKinnon, Aspiring Entrepreneur
"Anne is so incredibly knowledgeable. I came into our meeting thinking that I was going to go in a certain direction with my business. I left our conversation with 4 other great options for other directions I could take. I really feel like my horizon was expanded by talking to Anne."
Courtney Flynn, CEO Supply Chain Savvy
JUDGE US BY THE RESULTS AND REACTIONS OF
PAST PARTICIPANTS
Our company has made such progress thanks to the Guild! Since your class, our team has flourished and we have the most amazing partnerships and are in go to market strategy after we get through the regulatory pathway. We have partnered with a company that will manufacture our custom kiosk.
We are opening up a Friends and Family round (and possibly the right angel).
Hope all is well with you! I just want to thank you for your awesome course - it was a game-changer and it made us pivot in the right direction.
Amber Norbeck , Co-Founder of Aspir (now Opio Connect)
Dr. Julie Hakim,
MD and Medical Director of Femtech Focus
Participating in the Femtech Edition of the Guild Academy 8 week virtual accelerator course gave me essentially everything I wish I had not learned the hard way!
The information presented was perfectly distilled and action-oriented. The pacing of the curriculum, the inspirational speakers provided prescient take-ways, the access to experts and the ability to ask focused questions pertaining to my startup was absolutely invaluable to me and my team.
I think everyone who is considering a startup or business, who is currently in one, or who needs some additional focused training, should go through this accelerator.
You will up-level everything you know or thought you knew about the science and art of creating and sustaining a successful business. Do yourself and your team a favor - sign up, invest the time, and get ready to 10x what you are capable of.
For our crowdfunding campaign, we hit over $100k.
And I even won a pitch event I just did thanks to all your feedback and practice opportunities :)
Watch her interview as she explains what have been pivotal moments on her journey of bringing her skincare brand to market and how the GUILD Academy helped her.
Davina Kaonohi, CEO and co-founder of Element Apothec
January Edwards, Digital Marketing Specialist
I’ve been in the business world for over 5 years now and I’ve come across different courses and programs that aim to help founders to build and grow their business.
After going through the Guild summer academy, I can definitely say that the GUILD is amazingly different!
The modules contain just the right amount of material and information you need to go through every phase of building a startup. There are lots of added benefits like the community of supportive and inspiring founders, 4-week sprints, and amazing events with thought leaders.
My 1:1 session with Anne really helped me streamline and define my interest and passion. I can’t recommend the GUILD Academy enough and Anne is just wonderful!
Oh, and I got to know the GUILD via a recommendation. Goes to show how much members really value what the Guild offers.
"This program is truly one of a kind - it's nothing short of extraordinary. I feel prepared every time I walk into a business meeting (for my startup) and without a doubt in my mind the GUILD Academy helped me feel that way.
One of my favorite aspects of the academy are the AMA sessions with an industry superstar."
Hallie Salko, Founder of Bluppy
The Guild Academy is helping me get started on my business idea from scratch. It's saving me so much time from having to read endless resources and figuring things out by trial-and-error. The experts bring in their valuable experience from working with so many entrepreneurs/startups.
Thank you for the encouragement already Anne. I already feel different – understood, and among like-minded help. This company feels like the work I will spend the rest of my life delivering. But it is a hard fit with other programs. I feel at home already! Diving in to my modules now. Thank you again!
You feed my motivation. You opened my eyes and it helped me to walk in the right direction.
This week was so incredibly helpful in helping me realize exactly what I need to focus on both now and later down the line in my business model! It is awesome to see everything coming together so cohesively as we move forward in the program!
I absolutely love the GUILD Academy materials (packed with nuggets of wisdom) and the guest speakers are super helpful. This journey is amazing, I learned so much. It challenges me in so many ways, nudging me to be courageous, and yes, the journey is indeed the reward!
"I’ve grown more in the last 4 weeks than in 4 years in university. Although the University of San Francisco is an exceptional institution, the Guild provides education in more ways than one. I am learning so much and it has only been a month!
The material is presented in such a clear concise manner that it is easy to understand. Oftentimes, I have experienced people explaining something so much to the point of confusion rather than clarity. But not with The Guild. I am very grateful for you Anne and the community you have put together here. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will be able to achieve my goals not just in business but in life"
Silvana Angulo, Founder
Terrific resources, tools, and weekly challenges push me to take actual steps and help me to get closer to my dream. Plus the opportunity to ask questions and receive support anytime :-)
Thank you!!
This Accelerator is exactly what I needed. Girlfriends are a great personal support system, but only other female entrepreneurs can truly understand what you are going through. They are kindred spirits who understand the journey, will hold you accountable, and are a community you can call when you need an ear.
This was the most useful session on pitches. I learned a lot just by listening to the investor’s feedback.
YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER
THE GUILD - A COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS AND EXPERTS
Hear what GUILD members say
I wanted to let you know that from the founder/funder session, I got to meet a VC and they are making an investment. Thanks so much.
Highly actionable sessions at SERENDIPITY. Transformational experience with high quality content and the same incredible attendees of high caliber that I am matched with on the GUILD. I loved the diversity and relevance of every session.
We met Jill Bourque, Founder & CEO of Rushhtix, at last year’s Guild SERENDIPITY conference which resulted in an investment. Thanks to the Guild and Serendipity for connecting amazing founders & funders together.
Being a startup starting from scratch, it was important to hear stories from others, and be apprised of the available resources, and the support network. This is encouraging because many times I do not know what I do know, now I know of outlets who can assist.
I truly felt like I was not only learning from experts, but that they truly valued and supported me
Best virtual conference experience I've had so far!
Simply an inspiring and humbling experience being at SERENDIPITY 2020! I am so grateful to be part of a global community of like-minded female leaders & entrepreneurs, who are making an impact by being trailblazers, catalysts, thought leaders.
Thanks to the GUILD founder funder program, I got introduced to a company I invested in at the beginning of Aletta Angels
Let us talk about Consumer Testimonials for a moment.
Your results from the GUILD Academy may vary from consumer testimonials listed on this page. Many companies fail, especially in the startup space. We know that only a fraction of companies get funded by Venture Capitalists (less than 1%). Your results will be based on your goals, your level of effort, your business savvy, personal qualities, knowledge, skills, your market, timing and many other factors. Since this differs for each individual, we cannot guarantee your success, results, income or fundraising results, nor are we responsible for your success or failure.
It takes lots of time, effort, and dedication to build a scalable company. We believe that we provide you with an incredible program to achieve your desired results, and the testimonials from recent participants in the program agree.