Season 1 · Applications open
Demo season: details not finalPitch it.
Build it.
Prove it.
Founder Arena is a competition for SaaS founders in the US and Canada. Pitch your software idea, prove you can execute, and compete for a share of up to $100,000 USD in funding plus hands-on support from Sam and Ramy.
Season 1 funding pool
$100,000 USD
Up to $100,000 USD in funding across selected founders, through awards and negotiated investments.
Funding is selective, not guaranteed. Investment terms are negotiated individually and closed outside this site.
How it works
Each season runs in stages. At every stage, founders show more of what they can do, and Sam and Ramy decide who moves forward. Progress becomes an ongoing series you can follow.
- Stage 1Open now
Application screening
Tell us the problem, the customer, and why you're the one to build it. Your application will be intelligently added to the leaderboard.
You provide: Written application. Optional pitch deck (PDF).
- Stage 2
Selective interviews
Sam and Ramy interview some selected applicants to go deeper. Not being interviewed doesn't rule you out: other applicants can still make it to the next round.
You provide: A conversation with Sam and Ramy, if you're selected.
- Stage 3
Live demo (validation challenge)
Selected applicants demonstrate their product or prototype live to Sam and Ramy, and show that real people want it.
You provide: A live demo, and evidence of demand.
- Stage 4
Business and funding discussion
Another conversation with Sam and Ramy about your business, plan and requirements, and about funding and potential investment to turn your demo or MVP into a production product.
You provide: Your plan, requirements and funding needs.
- Stage 5
Build and progress
Build with full support from Sam and Ramy, with one goal: make your first dollar.
You provide: Regular progress updates.
Who can apply
- You must be 18 or older.
- You must live in the United States or Canada.
- Solo founders and teams are both welcome.
- One application per person, tied to your legal name. Duplicate applications are discarded.
- New SaaS and software ideas. You don't need a product, customers or revenue to apply.
Your judges
(opens in a new tab)Sam Ganab
Sam specializes in turning new ideas into AI-native SaaS: finding the customer with the problem, building the first version fast with AI, and proving people will pay for it. He founded Umbrella Tech Solutions, which built AI-powered voice agents and automation, and grew it from $0 to $1.25M ARR in its first year and $2.5M ARR in its second before it was acquired in year three. At Founder Arena he backs new ideas and pushes every founder on one question: what can you build with AI that couldn't exist before, and can you prove people want it?
(opens in a new tab)Ramy Mikhael
Ramy is a product manager who specializes in shaping new AI products: taking a raw idea and turning it into something customers actually use and pay for. He was a product manager at Umbrella Tech Solutions, where he worked alongside Sam. At Founder Arena he judges every stage with Sam, looking hard at the customer's problem, where AI genuinely helps, and what to build first.
Questions
What is Founder Arena?
A competition for aspiring SaaS founders with new ideas. You pitch a software idea, prove you can execute through a series of rounds, and compete for funding and hands-on support from Sam and Ramy. Application reviews, founder meetings and progress are streamed and shared as an ongoing series.
Will my application be reviewed on stream?
It may be. By applying, you give Founder Arena the right to show and discuss your application on stream, including your answers, pitch deck and demo. You're identified only by your username: we never show your name or email. Leave anything you want kept private out of your application.
Who can apply?
Adults 18 or older who live in the United States or Canada. Solo founders and teams are both welcome. Each person may submit one application, tied to their legal name. Duplicate applications are discarded.
Do I need an existing business?
No. Founder Arena is built for new ideas. You don't need a product, customers or revenue to apply. If you've already started building, tell us what you have so far.
How much funding is available?
Up to $100,000 USD for Season 1, in total across selected founders, through awards and negotiated investments. Funding is selective, not guaranteed, and not every founder who advances will receive it.
Ready to step into the arena?
Applying is free. Your application stays private.