A Co-Founder is a person who, in conjunction with one or two others, is instrumental in starting a business.

Co-Founders is a unique entrepreneurship programme that helps you form a team with like-minded individuals, build creative confidence and develop a product that customers really want. It comprises two areas of focus: how to be a co-founder and how to develop a product mindset. Co-Founders is open to ambitious and talented individuals or established teams interested in developing new product/service innovation focused on science, technology and engineering. The programme has attracted diverse participants such as: software engineers, data scientists, sales and marketing experts, medical professionals, mechanical engineers, researchers, undergraduates and PhDs as well as professionals with many years’ experience.

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR CO-FOUNDERS?

Co-Founders by Catalyst is open to individuals who are curious and want to gain an understanding of product development and the world of start-ups.

You could be someone with an idea for an exciting new product and need a team to make it happen. Or you might have experienced success in your career to date but want to help someone else get their idea off the ground.

If you’re an established team, you can still apply but need to go through the Hothouse process to meet the rest of the cohort and potentially add further expertise to your team.

WHY APPLY TO BECOME A CO-FOUNDER?

• brilliant opportunity to meet talented and skilled individuals outside of your normal network
• helps build resilience by encouraging participants to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”
• learn the difference between a product mindset and growth mindset and how to leverage both
• gain a better understanding of the startup ecosystem in Northern Ireland
• get free access to Catalyst co-working space at Catalyst Innovation Centre, Catalyst Hub by Danske or Catalyst Derry