Frequently asked questions
What is Underdog?
Underdog is a startup incubator designed to help first-time and experienced entrepreneurs develop their business ideas and bring them to life.
We offer 4 free in-depth programmes. taking founders from day zero all the way to pre-seed funding.
- SPARK - Zero to One Refine your startup idea to test with a specific target audience
- PROVE - One to 1KProve your target customer will be prepared to pay you for your idea before you launch
- LAUNCH - Investor Readiness.Build the evidence for the 'perfect' pitch deck while focusing on sales and delivery.
-ReFUEL - Fundraising Strategy & CloseClose a pre-seed round to fuel future growth
Admission in all programmes includes access to a community where participants can connect with like-minded founders and get feedback on their progress from peers.
We offer 4 free in-depth programmes. taking founders from day zero all the way to pre-seed funding.
- SPARK - Zero to One Refine your startup idea to test with a specific target audience
- PROVE - One to 1KProve your target customer will be prepared to pay you for your idea before you launch
- LAUNCH - Investor Readiness.Build the evidence for the 'perfect' pitch deck while focusing on sales and delivery.
-ReFUEL - Fundraising Strategy & CloseClose a pre-seed round to fuel future growth
Admission in all programmes includes access to a community where participants can connect with like-minded founders and get feedback on their progress from peers.
Why should I join?
Speed: You can launch a validated startup idea fast!
Results: 75% of past graduates have generated revenue by the end of the PROVE programme.
Network: Join an active and supportive global community of founders.
Mentorship Access: Leading subject matter experts available for private 1:1 guidance
Resources: Templates, tools and know-how are shared with you for free.
Results: 75% of past graduates have generated revenue by the end of the PROVE programme.
Network: Join an active and supportive global community of founders.
Mentorship Access: Leading subject matter experts available for private 1:1 guidance
Resources: Templates, tools and know-how are shared with you for free.
Who is eligible to participate in the programme?
Underdog is open to anyone who has a business idea they want to develop.
This includes startup founders looking to take their companies to the next level. We look for anyone who is ready or thinking about taking the leap in starting their own business.
The Spark programme is a great way of dipping your toe in the water and figuring out if life as a founder is for you. In our experience, you’ll be able to make that decision pretty quickly!
Our past graduates have ranged in age from 18yrs - 59yrs.
They’ve come from a range of backgrounds and industries. Some have been students on a gap year. Others have been full-time professionals with executive-level roles.
No matter your background, Underdog is for you.
This includes startup founders looking to take their companies to the next level. We look for anyone who is ready or thinking about taking the leap in starting their own business.
The Spark programme is a great way of dipping your toe in the water and figuring out if life as a founder is for you. In our experience, you’ll be able to make that decision pretty quickly!
Our past graduates have ranged in age from 18yrs - 59yrs.
They’ve come from a range of backgrounds and industries. Some have been students on a gap year. Others have been full-time professionals with executive-level roles.
No matter your background, Underdog is for you.
What is the time commitment?
The SPARK, PROVE and LAUNCH Programmes include:
- A weekly 30-60 minute structured workshop
- Premium 1:1 expert mentor support available for select founders.
Click here to learn more about our mentor offering
Each module within SPARK and PROVE includes:
- Assignments that must be completed in order to unlock the next programme.
All the assignments have been designed to help you in your journey to launch your startup through progressive action taking.
You may also benefit from investing additional time in building your business over the course of the programme.
We have designed all our programmes to be flexible and work around your existing schedules.
Many Underdogs have completed the course while juggling full-time employment, family and social commitments.
- A weekly 30-60 minute structured workshop
- Premium 1:1 expert mentor support available for select founders.
Click here to learn more about our mentor offering
Each module within SPARK and PROVE includes:
- Assignments that must be completed in order to unlock the next programme.
All the assignments have been designed to help you in your journey to launch your startup through progressive action taking.
You may also benefit from investing additional time in building your business over the course of the programme.
We have designed all our programmes to be flexible and work around your existing schedules.
Many Underdogs have completed the course while juggling full-time employment, family and social commitments.
How much does it cost to participate in the programmes?
Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zip.
Underdog offers free programmes using our Pay-by-Action methodology.
This means submitting your module assignments will unlock the next programme.
If you don’t submit, you don’t progress.
Harsh but fair, and in your best interests as an action-taking founder.
Think you would benefit from one-to-one mentor support to keep you accountable and guide you from experience?
You can apply to be matched to one of our team of expert founders or join our premium community.
You can apply to be matched to one of our team of expert founders or join our premium community.
Will I meet other founders?
Yes! A huge part of Underdog is our community focus.
You'll work alongside and meet many founders within Underdog.
We also have a team of mentors, experienced professionals in their respective fields, who have agreed to make themselves available to select participants for mentorship and advice.
You'll work alongside and meet many founders within Underdog.
We also have a team of mentors, experienced professionals in their respective fields, who have agreed to make themselves available to select participants for mentorship and advice.
What if a programme is not for me?
Underdog programmes are intense and we expect all participants to put in the work. We cannot build your business for you (otherwise it would be our business, not yours).
We have designed all programmes to be flexible and to account for any temporary changes in life circumstances.
If you fall behind, you may be offered the chance to rejoin a later cohort. We are here to support you! If you decide a programme is not for you, there is no obligation to complete it.
You are given the option to opt-out at any time.
We have designed all programmes to be flexible and to account for any temporary changes in life circumstances.
If you fall behind, you may be offered the chance to rejoin a later cohort. We are here to support you! If you decide a programme is not for you, there is no obligation to complete it.
You are given the option to opt-out at any time.
Underdog is an alternative to the traditional 'Founder-First' Accelerator, with experienced mentors ready to help.
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