Masters of Scale Summit:

Early Stage Founders Program

Presented in alliance with Capital One Business

A no-cost, high-impact experience for emerging founders ready to accelerate their growth.

October 19 – 22, San Francisco, CA

*Early Stage Founders arrive one day early for a dedicated day of founder-only programming

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Where early-stage founders find their people and their momentum

You’re building something bold — and you don’t have to scale it alone.

The Early Stage Founders Program brings together 40 first-time early-stage entrepreneurs for an immersive, invite-only experience at Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco — one of the leading events for founders.

Selected from more than 800 applicants, participants gain rare access to investors, operators, and industry leaders, along with a community of like-minded founders who continue supporting one another long after Summit ends.

If you’re looking for a powerful alternative to a traditional accelerator, this program offers deep connection, strategic guidance, and high-value introductions. Sign up now and be first to hear when applications go live.

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First-time founder? Don’t miss this chance.

If you’re a first-time founder building a venture with under $20M in funding, this program was built for you.

Former participants have scaled across industries including:

AI, Climate, Health tech, Consumer, Fintech…and more.

Cohort members are high-momentum builders — 50% reported 20%+ YoY growth before attending.

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A Community That Gets It

Founders describe the cohort as electric, eclectic, and non-competitive — a group of ambitious builders who understand the real journey of creating something from scratch. It’s not transactional. It’s human.
Curated Insights for Real Growth

Programming is shaped by the challenges you share in your application. Sessions focus on actionable strategies, proven frameworks, and insights from leaders who’ve scaled companies before.
Strategic Partnerships

Meet the people who can accelerate your next stage of growth. Intimate sessions connect you with investors, operators, and cross-industry experts to unlock new opportunities.
A High-Impact, No-Cost Experience

Thanks to our alliance with Capital One Business, selected founders receive a fully underwritten experience — including full access to Masters of Scale Summit, valued at $7,500. No fees. No barriers. All value.
The Power of 40

A small cohort. A big network effect.
The intentionally intimate size ensures:
Quality over quantity
Room for every voice
Deeper trust
More meaningful collaboration
Stronger long-term bonds
The Catalyst for What’s Next

Almost every founder walks away saying the same thing:
“This is only the beginning.”

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Hear what Early Stage Founders alumni have to say…

“I’m incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity to be a part of this group and a part of Summit. It was a beautiful reassurance of the track I’m on but more than anything, it felt like being around my tribe.”

Lola Banjo, Founder & Creative Director of Silver & Riley, 2024 Early Stage Founders Cohort

“A connection from Summit just landed me my first six figure angel investor! Have a call with another investor I met there tomorrow.”

Brandice Daniel, Founder & CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, 2024 Early Stage Founders Cohort

“I had the opportunity to connect with a community of talented individuals who shared inspiring scale-up stories. Their advice and tips were invaluable, helping entrepreneurs like myself rethink our strategies and strive to improve our companies every day.”