Traction Studio
WE BELIEVE SALES AND TRACTION ARE THE #1 INDICATOR FOR STARTUP SUCCESS
Apply by July 15th
WHAT WE DO
Venture Lane Studio helps B2B software startups find real traction and repeatable success.
We transform early stage B2B software companies with outstanding potential into growth stage ventures through a bespoke 4.5 month program, a proven methodology from experienced entrepreneurs, and a world class support network of peer founders and mentors.
HOW WE DO IT
Real impact through sales success.
We might be a little old fashioned, but we believe the best indicator of startup success is real progress best shown through real revenue, customers, or trials. In our experience, this is best supported by a well tuned organization and an educated approach to fundraising.
GO-TO-MARKET SUCCESS
Identify acute customer pain
Solidify target market and beachhead
Define customer personas and messaging
Produce top-of-funnel growth
Create repeatable & scalable sales process & materials
EFFICIENT OPERATING SYSTEM
Recognize priorities according to company stage
Implement metric & result driven company operation system
Set up the foundation for a scalable organization and team
Establish a structure for effective leadership, talent and financial transparency
FUNDRAISING
Develop the right fundraising strategy
Pinpoint best fit investors
Craft a comprehensive and compelling investor narrative
Like what you see? Take the next step and apply for Venture Lane Studio.
UPCOMING STUDIO PROGRAMMING
Interested in one of Venture Lane Studio’s upcoming virtual workshops?
Apply below and we’ll reach out as long as spots remain!
May 11, 2022 – How to Master the Art of Fundraising
Virtual Workshop via Zoom – Speaker: Christian Magel
June 8, 2022 – Venture Lane Studio Overview – “Ask Us Anything” @ 12pm EST
Virtual Session via Zoom – Speakers: Christian Magel & Brian Denenberg
June 14, 2022 – Why Your Emails Suck
Virtual Workshop via Zoom – Speaker: Brian Denenberg
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
In the last 5 years we worked with some incredible founders and companies to progress their traction.
This is what they have to say about their time working with Venture Lane.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
At Venture Lane Studio we approach things a bit differently, but always with the teams and maximum impact in mind.
Traction
We are a traction studio. Our focus is helping you figure out the most efficient GTM strategy for your startup – market validation. This is one step towards product-market-fit and building a truly scalable business.
Bespoke
We believe that building something great takes time and attention. We are the antithesis of large scale accelerator programs with dozen or even hundred-company cohorts. We concentrate on 3-4 companies at a time and align with the interests of our founders to develop a bespoke plan for each team.
Community
Some of the best support comes from like-minded peers who face the same challenges. Our in-person and virtual community of over 1,100 B2B founders, mentors and investors are here to help and pay it forward.
Network
Boston’s finest mentors are here to coach and advise you. We will carefully select the best matches for your particular company from a pool of over 150 mentors with impressive backgrounds and a deep understanding of the subject matter.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
We’ve created a unique formula to help you.
4-month bespoke program
Hybrid program (2×2 weeks of required founder presence)
Cohorts of 2-4 companies
Focus on Go-To-Market & sales
3 distinct program stages: Basecamp – Climb – Peak
Post-onboarding monthly sprints
Weekly Priority & Metric check-ins
Bespoke program with 1:1 mentoring & workshops
Individual matching from pool of 150 mentors & 700 companies
Ongoing post-program support through community & events
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Four key areas determine fit with our program.
Founders
We are looking for founders that have the drive and resilience to succeed. Aptitude, knowledge, skills and experience are important, but nothing tops integrity, a great attitude, and optimism for solving hard problems and attracting great people.
Company
Go-To-Market
Ideally you’ve already found your first real/beta customers to prove that your product solves a customer pain. Your experience with clients will help fine-tune the sales process faster and with more accuracy. We focus on products that sell to private markets.
Product
TEAM
Meet the Venture Lane team.
In the last 5 years we worked with some incredible founders and companies on their traction progress.
MENTORS
Meet the Venture Lane Studio mentors.
Managing Partner @ Mentor Foundry,
General Partner @ North Bridge Venture Partners,
Co-Founder @ eRoom Technology
Venture Ecosystem Partnerships Lead @ Vouch Insurance,
Principal Ventures & Labs @ E*TRADE
APPLICATION INFORMATION
DEAL
We offer the same standard deal for all companies. For the bespoke 4-month program and lifetime access to the Venture Lane community and resources we receive 4% of your company’s common share. This aligns us with the company and founders as we only benefit from an exit when you do.
APPLICATIONS
Applications are now OPEN for our Fall ’22 cohort kicking off August 22, 2022.
Interested in applying? Submit your application by our July 15, 2022 application deadline.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
During our 4-month Venture Lane Studio program, we work with a cohort of 3-4 companies to nail Go-To-Market strategy, define their sales process, and successfully execute fundraising. Structurally, our program is divided into three stages: Basecamp (2 weeks), Climb (3 months), Peak (2 weeks). Post-onboarding we’ll begin a series of three, one-month sprints during which we do check-ins, host workshops, meet 1:1, and connect you with our pool of mentors. After these three stages we carry on with a post-program that ensures you have all the tools you need to succeed independently.
We look for a few key things in each of our studio companies: great founders, awesome market opportunity, at minimum a first MVP, first customers, and a B2B software component. These key areas allow us to reach alignment with the founders and startups we help, offering us a “big picture” view of who you are as a company and how we can best support you.
Prior to the start of each cohort we encourage companies and founders who are interested to apply on the “Studio” page of our website. Once your application is received and reviewed, we will reach out to schedule a call if we think you’d be a good fit for the program. Post phone call we’ll arrange an individual business model workshop with a small number of companies. This allows us to learn more about you and your startup as well as offers you a peek into our Studio style. If we reach alignment with you during this workshop, we’ll proceed with adding you to the cohort.
We call ourselves a “bespoke” program for a reason – it’s up to you! The program can be entirely in-person at our space in downtown Boston or we can adopt a remote model. Please note: Although we offer a remote option we ask that founders be present in-person in Boston during the first 3 weeks of the program and during the last two weeks of the program.
Of course! That’s one the perks of being a Studio company, you have access to the Venture Lane co-working space during your time in the program. Just let us know in advance if you or your team are planning on working out the space.
The application deadline for our first cohort is Monday, February 7, 2022. Our first cohort officially begins on March 1, 2022.
We focus primarily on B2B companies that have a software component. If you have contracts with government agencies or organizations that’s okay as well. Our Studio program is not geared towards companies that are strictly hardware focused, have a B2C model or are based in the life sciences.
Companies that apply to the Venture Lane Studio need to be fully incorporated Delaware C-Corps and shall reincorporate in Delaware prior to joining the Venture Lane Studio Program. Companies agree to establish a stock option pool of no less than 15% on a fully-diluted basis (the “Equity Pool”).
Yes! Sometimes timing is the hardest part – perhaps our cohort is full or you experience changes in your business structure or operations. Whatever the case may be, we encourage companies to reapply if they are not admitted their first time around.
We want to be 100% aligned with the interests of our Studio companies and their founders. If you are successful, we are too. Companies that agree to join our Studio program agree to issue fully vested shares totaling 4% of your company’s common stock to Venture Lane. Venture Lane may take the shares in the form of a warrant to purchase the shares at a price point equal to the fair market value per share at a later date. Pro rata terms outline the possibility of Venture Lane to invest at least 5% in all following rounds until Series A.
There are several ways to learn a bit more about Venture Lane Studio and our approach. First, Venture Lane Studio Co-Founder Brian Denenberg is hosting a free, four week sales course that gives founders a roadmap for creating a repeatable and scalable sales process. Venture Lane also offers a myriad of programming and events that offer connection with our community and a deeper understanding of our “why”. Finally, you’re always welcome to stop by the VL space at 55 Court Street, Floor 2, right in the heart of downtown Boston.
Still have questions about Venture Lane Studio? Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you with answers!