A practical program designed to help high school students build real startups in just 8 weeks.
Delta Founders Academy is a hands-on, pre-incubator program that guides high school students through the process of developing a business idea into a functional startup. In this 8-week program, you will actively create and test a business concept, develop a product prototype, and pitch your startup to real investors. By the end of the program, you will have the skills and experience to launch a real business, from initial idea validation to securing potential investment.
Program Timeline
Over 8 weeks, students will work on a specific startup idea, going through each stage of the entrepreneurial process, from discovering and validating a real-world problem to creating a prototype, testing it in the market, and preparing to pitch to investors. Delta Founders Academy is structured into distinct phases, each designed to mimic the early-stage startup journey.
Problem Discovery & Validation
Learn how to identify a pressing problem in the market, conduct customer interviews, and validate your idea by ensuring there is a real demand for your solution.
Prototyping & Business Model Development
Use no-code tools to create a working product prototype and build a sustainable revenue model for your business.
Go-To-Market Strategy & Customer Acquisition
Learn how to launch your product, acquire early customers, and develop marketing strategies that drive real, measurable growth.
Investor Readiness & Demo Day
Get personalised coaching on how to craft a compelling investor pitch, including how to present your product and business model effectively to potential investors.
Post-Program Benefits
Develop a high-impact project, benefiting from step-by-step guidance and real-time feedback, positioning you for future success.
Invitation to Icehouse Ventures Incubator
The top two teams will receive an invitation to join Icehouse Ventures Incubator, providing additional mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities.
Professional Networking & Funding
Gain access to a network of startup founders, investors, and accelerators, opening doors to potential funding and partnership opportunities.
Real-World Experience
You will leave the program with a tangible portfolio, showcasing your startup journey and experience, which can be valuable for college applications and future career opportunities.
Develop Core Competencies
Develop core competencies in customer discovery, financial modeling, and startup execution.
Top 2 Teams to Present at Icehouse Ventures Incubator
At the conclusion of the program, the top two teams will receive the incredible opportunity to present their startups at Icehouse Ventures, one of the most prestigious startup accelerators in the world. This exposure to Icehouse Ventures investors and mentors can open doors for funding, partnerships, and scaling opportunities.
Icehouse Ventures backs the bold — investing in New Zealand's most driven founders from day one. With a powerful network of investors, mentors, and global connections, they help early-stage startups turn ambitious ideas into world-changing ventures.
Mentored by the founders of some of the most successful startups, including:
Crimson Education
Multinational university admissions consultancy headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. Valued at $554 million, with key investors including Tiger Management, Icehouse Ventures, and Verlinvest.
ClipBook
A B2B SaaS AI research platform founded in 2022. In April 2022, Clipbook raised $100,000 in funding from Higher Ground Labs, an accelerator/incubator.
Angrela
AI-driven platform that streamlines e-commerce product data management. In 2024, the company secured $500,000 in seed funding from Y Combinator, valuing the company at approximately $1,830,000 post-investment.
Stealth
Specialized recruitment firm dedicated to assisting stealth-mode startups in launching, hiring, and scaling effectively.
Testimonials
Hear from students who joined Delta and gained meaningful, confidence-building experiences.
Learn Directly from Founders
Learn directly from the founders behind some of today's most exciting startups. They've turned bold ideas into real ventures — and are here to share their insights, challenges, and lessons to help you navigate your own entrepreneurial journey.
Curious to learn more? Get in touch!
Get in touch to learn how you can build and launch a real startup with expert founder mentorship and gain the kind of entrepreneurial experience that stands out in any application.
Our team will reach out shortly to schedule your consultation.
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