Here are some factors we consider for the Pre-Incubator program.
Tech-driven & scalable • A software-based business solving a compelling problem.
Startup stage • An MVP, ideally in market and ready for customer use.
Market validation • Early traction with proof points like pilots, partnerships, LOIs.
Growth-focused team • At least one full-time founder & an in-house technical lead.
Venture-backable • Positioned for funding in a high-growth market.
Commitment • Available 5-6 hours/month to reap program benefits.
DMZ supports high-potential entrepreneurs at every stage, whether they’re raising to scale globally or just beginning to validate a business idea. Our founders are operators, builders and problem-solvers creating venture-backable, tech-driven businesses. Through tailored programming, we help transform momentum into measurable outcomes: revenue, investment and long-term growth.
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Our mission.
Changing entrepreneurs’ lives
Founders first.
We know exceptional companies start with exceptional founders – so we champion, challenge and equip them to reach their full potential.
Be great.
Good doesn’t cut it. Greatness means showing up with intention, precision and purpose. We uphold high standards to empower founders to raise their own.
Equity over everything.
We tailor our support to meet each founder where they are, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success.
DMZ supports high-potential entrepreneurs at every stage, whether they’re raising to scale globally or just beginning to validate a business idea. Our founders are operators, builders and problem-solvers creating venture-backable, tech-driven businesses. Through tailored programming, we help transform momentum into measurable outcomes: revenue, investment and long-term growth.
.webp)
Founders first.
We know exceptional companies start with exceptional founders – so we champion, challenge and equip them to reach their full potential.
Be great.
Good doesn’t cut it. Greatness means showing up with intention, precision and purpose. We uphold high standards to empower founders to raise their own.
Equity over everything.
We tailor our support to meet each founder where they are, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success.
Apply to program here
If successful, get contacted for a screening call
Undergo deep dive sessions and due diligence interviews
Receive and accept formal offer!
DMZ supports high-potential entrepreneurs at every stage, whether they’re raising to scale globally or just beginning to validate a business idea. Our founders are operators, builders and problem-solvers creating venture-backable, tech-driven businesses. Through tailored programming, we help transform momentum into measurable outcomes: revenue, investment and long-term growth.
Our mission.
Changing entrepreneurs’ lives
Founders first.
We know exceptional companies start with exceptional founders – so we champion, challenge and equip them to reach their full potential.
Be great.
Good doesn’t cut it. Greatness means showing up with intention, precision and purpose. We uphold high standards to empower founders to raise their own.
Equity over everything.
We tailor our support to meet each founder where they are, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success.
Our mission.
Changing entrepreneurs’ lives
Founders first.
We know exceptional companies start with exceptional founders – so we champion, challenge and equip them to reach their full potential.
Apply to program here
Join your cohort kickoff and orientation
Complete group sales bootcamp and sales evaluation sessions
Speak to Program Lead about opportunities to join Incubator
Be great.
Good doesn’t cut it. Greatness means showing up with intention, precision and purpose. We uphold high standards to empower founders to raise their own.
If successful, get contacted for a screening call
Move in day – get your team’s designated desk space
Get 1:1 expert support in sales and customer acquisition
If eligible, undergo expedited application review for Incubator
Equity over everything.
We tailor our support to meet each founder where they are, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success.
Undergo deep dive sessions and due diligence interviews
Meet your peers at the Milestone meetup
Attend founder talks, workshops and community events
If graduating become an official DMZ alum and get continued community access
Receive and accept formal offer!
Connect with your dedicated Program Lead and advisor
Refine investor pitch and prep early fundraising materials
If selected, pitch at DMZ’s Startup Showcase for up to $25K investment
Our mission.
Changing entrepreneurs’ lives
Founders first.
We know exceptional companies start with exceptional founders – so we champion, challenge and equip them to reach their full potential.
Apply to program here
Join your cohort kickoff and orientation
Complete group sales bootcamp and sales evaluation sessions
Speak to Program Lead about opportunities to join Incubator
Be great.
Good doesn’t cut it. Greatness means showing up with intention, precision and purpose. We uphold high standards to empower founders to raise their own.
If successful, get contacted for a screening call
Move in day – get your team’s designated desk space
Get 1:1 expert support in sales and customer acquisition
If eligible, undergo expedited application review for Incubator
Equity over everything.
We tailor our support to meet each founder where they are, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success.
Undergo deep dive sessions and due diligence interviews
Meet your peers at the Milestone meetup
Attend founder talks, workshops and community events
If graduating become an official DMZ alum and get continued community access
Receive and accept formal offer!
Connect with your dedicated Program Lead and advisor
Refine investor pitch and prep early fundraising materials
If selected, pitch at DMZ’s Startup Showcase for up to $25K investment
Our mission.
Changing entrepreneurs’ lives
Founders first.
We know exceptional companies start with exceptional founders – so we champion, challenge and equip them to reach their full potential.
Apply to program here
Join your cohort kickoff and orientation
Complete group sales bootcamp and sales evaluation sessions
Speak to Program Lead about opportunities to join Incubator
Be great.
Good doesn’t cut it. Greatness means showing up with intention, precision and purpose. We uphold high standards to empower founders to raise their own.
If successful, get contacted for a screening call
Move in day – get your team’s designated desk space
Get 1:1 expert support in sales and customer acquisition
If eligible, undergo expedited application review for Incubator
Equity over everything.
We tailor our support to meet each founder where they are, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success.
Undergo deep dive sessions and due diligence interviews
Meet your peers at the Milestone meetup
Attend founder talks, workshops and community events
If graduating become an official DMZ alum and get continued community access
Receive and accept formal offer!
Connect with your dedicated Program Lead and advisor
Refine investor pitch and prep early fundraising materials
If selected, pitch at DMZ’s Startup Showcase for up to $25K investment
This program moves in stages. You’ll first build the skills employers expect, then apply them to a real business challenge, and finally present your work in a competitive pitch setting.
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Join the network of 2600+ founders who’ve been supported by DMZ’s mission.
Submit your application (short answers + background information).
Wait to hear back from our team if you were selected to participate.
Attend a virtual orientation session to meet your cohort and program leads.
Gain access to learning materials and workshop schedule.
Attend part-time virtual workshops (live, instructor-led).
Learn business fundamentals, sales, marketing, AI tools and professional communication.
If selected, join a team and receive a real business case to work on over 8 weeks. From the initial cohort, 25 participants will be selected.
Get structured support from DMZ mentors and weekly check-ins.
Receive a $3,000 honourarium for completing this phase.
Present your team’s solution at a live graduation event and compete for an additional $20,000 in funding.
Leave with a portfolio-ready case study and clear examples of measurable impact.