The Workshop

Beta
A 10-week product-to-pitch program for early-stage hardware founders to get world-class design, brand, business strategy, and fundraising support.

We are now accepting applications for the first cohort, kicking off September 15, 2025. Apply by August 15 at 5pm PST to be considered.

Founder-first by design

What is this program?

This is not a fund. It is a build sprint. It’s a rare opportunity to work directly with one of the most respected product design firms in the world, Whipsaw, in a deeply collaborative, hands-on sprint designed to bring your product vision to life.

How is this different from a typical accelerator?

The Workshop is deliberately small, focused, and immersive. Unlike high-volume accelerators, this program is hands-on, in sync with your team, and built for depth instead of speed. You’ll receive strategic coaching, business modeling, and investor access, plus a world-class product concept, a resonant brand, and a design process with clarity and intent.

Who are we?

Whipsaw is a leading product design firm with 25 years of experience. We've helped bring to life physical products, digital systems, and brand experiences for startups, mid-stage ventures, and global companies. This program brings that depth of experience to early-stage founders for the first time.

Is this a typical startup playbook?

No. This is not a generic template for building a startup. We focus on creating a product that people actually want and a business that can last. Our process emphasizes substance over speed and decisions that endure rather than ones that only help you raise a round.

What is the commitment from founders?

It is a true partnership, not a funnel. Therefore, we ask for both cash and equity contributions. This ensures mutual commitment and alignment. We are not here to own your funding journey. We are here to help you build something meaningful and enduring.

What do I get from this program?

You will gain access to knowledge, tools, and people that are not available anywhere else. From product definition and industrial design to storytelling, go-to-market planning, and investor strategy, you will be surrounded by experts who know how to launch. More on this below.

Is this a new program?

Yes. This is the inaugural cohort. It’s a beta test. A shared experiment. If you’re accepted, you become a foundational part of shaping what this program becomes. This is not for everyone. But for the right founder, it is an extraordinary opportunity.

What you commit to

Over 10 weeks, we’ll build:

  • A viable product concept with renderings
  • A distinct brand identity and story
  • A complete, investor-ready pitch deck
  • A business and funding plan
  • Access to a trusted investor network
  • Post-program fundraising support


Every week, five founder teams will have an in-person or remote seminar session, a skill development activity, and 1:1 session with the team. Outside of scheduled sessions, there will be a task list for the founder and for the Whipsaw team to keep things moving and meet program milestones.

From idea to investor-ready

Each week drives real progress. Focused, founder-first, and built around tangible outputs.
Welcome Party - September 15

Week 1

Opportunity Clarity

Define your problem space, user, and the unique opportunity you're tackling.

Week 2

Product Vision

Establish the experience, core features, and early technical direction.

Week 3

Brand Definition

Shape the foundation of your brand’s story, tone, and visual aesthetic.

Week 4

Concept Development

Generate and evaluate multiple physical product directions aligned to your goals.

Week 5

Funding Readiness

Develop your strategic funding approach with a clear ask and investor lens.

Week 6

Design Integration

Sync product and brand into a cohesive story that stands out.

Week 7

Product Development Path

Finalize design direction and begin planning for production and feasibility.

Week 8

Go-to-Market (GTM) & Investor Narrative

Finalize your pitch deck details and develop your go-to-market strategy.

Week 9

Visual Storytelling

Create compelling visuals and renders to bring your solution to life.

Week 10

Pitch Delivery

Polish your pitch and present at Demo Day, backed by coaching and design.
Demo Day - November 15

Week 10+

Post-Demo Day Support

Dedicated coaching and strategic support to navigate conversations and maintain momentum through the critical early fundraising period.

Who this is for

This program is for founders who are:

  • Building a physical or connected product
  • At the idea-to-prototype stage
  • Solving a real-market problem
  • Ready to build with speed, clarity, and purpose


We accept founders based on alignment, potential, and grit. This is assessed through your application, background, and interview. While its not required to be full-time on your project, it will certainly help you get the most out of the program.

Meet your team

You’ll work directly with a core team for the duration of the program.
Walker Harden
Managing Director of The Workshop, Director of Experience Design
Anne Van Itallie
Managing Director of The Workshop, Director of Business Development
Dan Harden
Principal Designer
Cole Derby
Director of Industrial Design
Mike Elam
Director of Technical Strategy
Laura Ogle
Lead Strategist
Tom Underhill
Creative Lead
Sam Peart
Lead Brand Designer

Apply Now

If you’re ready to build something real, apply now. We’ll follow up with next steps and an invite to interview if you’re a fit.