Founder

What You’ll Do

• Talking to customers.
• Understanding real customer problems.
• Validating market demand.
• Building the right solution.
• Winning your first paying customers.
• Building lasting customer relationships.
• Leading the growth of your company.

What Foundery OS Brings to the Table

• Foundery OS provides the operational foundation that allows you to execute faster.
• Foundery OS includes:
• Professional office space in Princeton.
• Meeting rooms and collaboration facilities.
• Business technology and productivity tools.
• HR support.
• Accounting and finance support.
• Administrative operations.
• Legal coordination.
• Foundry OS also offers:
• Weekly founder reviews.
• Strategic guidance.
• Accountability and execution coaching.
• Access to experienced entrepreneurs.
• Access to advisors and subject matter experts.
• A community of ambitious founders building alongside you.

Graduation

• Success is measured by outcomes, not attendance.
• To successfully complete the Founder Residency, you should demonstrate:
• A validated business opportunity.
• A solution customers value.
• Your first paying customer.
• Strong execution.
• Founder-level ownership and leadership.

Ownership

• Ownership is earned, not granted.
• We believe the people who create long-term value should share meaningfully in the value they create.
• You’ll have the opportunity to accumulate significant equity through sustained execution, leadership, and business performance.
• Many founders gradually give up ownership as they raise capital and build their companies.
• We invest in founders, not just businesses, and build long-term partnerships where incentives remain aligned from the first customer to a successful, independent company.

Who We’re Looking For

• We care far more about your ability to build than your résumé.
• You may come from software engineering, product management, AI, consulting, operations, finance, sales, entrepreneurship, or another professional background.
• What matters most is that you:
• Think like an owner.
• Learn quickly.
• Execute consistently.
• Embrace accountability.
• Enjoy solving difficult problems.
• Are comfortable with uncertainty.
• Use AI to increase your effectiveness.
• Want to create long-term value rather than simply earn a paycheck.

Who We’re Not Looking For

• If you’re looking for a traditional corporate career.
• If you prefer predictable routines over building something new.
• If you avoid accountability.
• If you’re uncomfortable speaking directly with customers.
• If you expect guaranteed outcomes without measurable execution.
• If you aren’t willing to work in person in Princeton during the residency.

Before You Apply

• Ask yourself one question: Would you rather spend the next five years helping build someone else’s company, or spend the next five years building one you could eventually own?