In the Shape phase of building a new venture, what really matters isn’t just the steps we take, but how the studio team and the founder work together. This article delves into this important collaboration, highlighting how empowerment and shared vision play a crucial role in Builders Universe’s method for startup success.

The Studio’s role: Empowering, not overpowering

At Builders Universe, we understand that the essence of the startup studio model is hands-on execution. Entrepreneurs partner with us to supercharge their journey to success. However, a common question arises: How do we add value, especially before incorporation, without overshadowing the founder’s vision?

In our model, the studio’s support is evident, yet we firmly believe that the initial Discover phase is the founder’s realm. It’s here that the vision starts to shape, delving deep into customer pain points. This phase is crucial; if the founder isn’t pushing boundaries in customer interviews, they’re likely not digging deep enough to uncover the real pain — the kind of pain that leads to truly innovative solutions.

The lonely journey of Discovery

The time spend in discovery mode can feel solitary for a founder. Immersed in customer interviews, they become experts in understanding and articulating the problem. It’s a journey filled with discovery, knowledge, and sometimes, solitude. But they’re not alone. Our role is to provide structure, guidance, and checkpoints, ensuring that the path to the Shape phase is clear and achievable.

The shift to Shape: A new dynamic

we make sure we’re all confident enough that we’ve discovered a solution worth building. That’s when we kick-off the next phase: the Shape phase. It’s where the concept of a ‘mini company’ starts to materialise, and the entire core team gets involved. This phase introduces a new dynamic — a partnership where the founder leads, empowered by the studio’s expertise and resources.

The founder owns the progress and process, using deliverables as a baseline, while the studio team brings its wealth of experience to the table. Together, we embark on a 10-week sprint to validate, build, and refine.

Action time: Building the mini company

The Shape phase kicks off with action. It’s a time-bound, intense period where the primary goal is to create a workable product that addresses the most significant customer pain point. The validation comes from the customers we’ve engaged with during the Discover phase. If they’re willing to pay for even just this initial feature, we’re on the right track.

But it’s not just about the product. We also craft a ‘baby brand’ and positioning, both for the product and the founder. In today’s crowded market, differentiation is key, and it’s not just about what you build; it’s about who builds it and why.

Validating the vision: Convincing the team and beyond

A critical aspect of the Shape phase is aligning the team with the founder’s mission. If there are too many uncertainties, it’s back to the drawing board. But when the vision is clear, and the team is aligned, it’s all systems go. We work with a strict week-by-week plan, with the founder steering the ship and the venture builder ensuring we stay on course.

So, what’s the secret sauce? It’s in the dynamics between the founder and the studio, and in the attention to detail. As a studio, we are partners and co-founders, but the ultimate guide is the founder’s vision. It’s this vision that sells, resonates with customers, and ultimately leads to success.

A happy ever after: A continuous journey of learning and evolving

The journey at Builders Universe is never static. With each cycle, we learn, adapt, and refine our approach. The Shape phase is just one part of this continuous journey, but it’s a phase that distinctly highlights the symbiosis between a founder’s vision and our studio’s support. It’s a dance of empowerment, vision, and execution that defines the success of our ventures.

Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to explore the depths of our Stage-Gate Model and share our journey in venture creation. Let’s connect and discuss how these dynamics play out in your experience. 🖖