The Step Most Founders Skip - And Why It Matters

If you have an idea for a tech product or a consumer product, chances are you’ve asked yourself at least one of these questions:

• Is this actually solving a real problem?
  
• Who would really buy this?
  
• Am I ready for an accelerator, pitch competition, or next-step program?
  
  

That’s exactly where Build Up Tech and Build Up CPG come in.

Build Up is not an accelerator or a pitch competition. It’s a readiness and validation program designed to help very early-stage founders slow down, get clear, and build evidence — so when they do pitch, apply, or scale, they’re prepared.

Applications are now open for both tracks.

What Is Build Up?

Build Up is a hands-on, month-long program for early-stage founders who want to move from idea to validated direction.

Whether you’re exploring a tech-enabled solution or a consumer product, Build Up helps you:

• Validate the real problem you’re solving
  
• Clarify who your customer or buyer actually is
  
• Test demand before spending more time or money
  
• Build confidence through structure, coaching, and peer support
  
  

As one past participant shared:

“This class has challenged and supported me to be a better version of myself.”
— Erica Kesse

That balance of challenge and support is intentional. Build Up is designed to push founders forward — without rushing them past the fundamentals.

Two Tracks, One Goal: Clarity Before the Next Step

Build Up Tech

Build Up Tech is for founders with ideas for:

• Apps or platforms
  
• Tech-enabled services
  
• Software or AI-assisted solutions
  
  

Participants work on turning ideas into validated concepts, clickable prototypes, or clearly scoped MVPs, while learning how tech businesses actually work.

As one participant reflected:

“The discussions were not only enlightening but also provided me with valuable knowledge and inspiration as I continue to grow in the funding and FinTech space.”
— Neko Cheri

Build Up Tech focuses on learning by doing — not just talking about ideas, but testing them.

Build Up CPG

Build Up CPG is designed for founders building:

• Food and beverage products
  
• Beauty, wellness, or personal care brands
  
• Physical or packaged consumer goods
  
  

Instead of rushing to production, founders focus on validating demand, clarifying their buyer, and shaping a strong product concept before scaling.

Founders leave with a clearer understanding of pricing, margins, channels, and what it really takes to bring a CPG product to market.

Why Founders Choose Build Up

One of the most powerful parts of Build Up is the community. Founders aren’t building in isolation — they’re learning alongside others who are navigating similar challenges.

As one founder put it:

“Seeing other business owners and relating to the same struggles & aspirations refreshed a new confidence in pitching on the spot. I highly recommend their month-long startup school to anyone with a startup.”
— Ryan Hopson

That shared experience builds confidence — not just in pitching, but in decision-making, clarity, and next steps.

Who Should Apply?

Build Up Tech and Build Up CPG are a great fit if you:

• Are very early-stage (idea, concept, or early testing)
  
• Want to validate before scaling or producing more
  
• Are open to feedback and learning by doing
  
• Want to be better prepared for pitch nights, Blueprint Tulsa, or future accelerators
  
• Are based in Tulsa or committed to building here
  
  

You don’t need:

• A finished product
  
• A pitch deck
  
• Investors
  
• Technical or manufacturing expertise
  
  

You just need curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to test your assumptions.

Ready to Build Up?

If you’re tired of guessing and ready for clarity, Build Up might be the right next step.

Applications are now open for:

• Build Up Tech
  
  
• Build Up CPG
  
  

👉 Apply Now

‍