Applications open
Demo season: details not finalSeason 1
The first Founder Arena season, for SaaS founders in the US and Canada. Dates and final rules are still being set.
Key dates
- Applications open
- To be announced
- Applications close
- To be announced
Stages
- 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.
Funding
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.
Eligibility
- 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.
Judging criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Problem and customer clarity | 20% |
| Evidence of demand | 20% |
| Feasibility and execution | 20% |
| Differentiation and AI advantage | 15% |
| Business model and route to customers | 15% |
| Founder commitment and learning | 10% |
Competitors
Competitors are announced as they advance. None have been announced yet.