Applications closed
Season 1
Season 1 of Founder Arena, for SaaS founders in the US and Canada.
Applications closed
Season 1 is no longer taking applications. See the leaderboard
Key dates
- Applications open
- To be announced
- Applications close
- Nov 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Stages
- Stage 1
Application screening
Tell us the problem, the customer, and why you're the one to build it. Your application will be intelligently added to the leaderboard.
You provide: Written application. Optional pitch deck (PDF).
- Stage 2
Interview
Sam and Ramy interview every founder who reaches this stage, to go deeper on the problem, the customer and your plan.
You provide: An interview with Sam and Ramy.
- Stage 3
Live demo (validation challenge)
Selected applicants demonstrate their product or prototype live to Sam and Ramy, and show that real people want it.
You provide: A live demo, and evidence of demand.
- Stage 4
Business and funding discussion
Another conversation with Sam and Ramy about your business, plan and requirements, and about funding and potential investment to turn your demo or MVP into a production product.
You provide: Your plan, requirements and funding needs.
- Stage 5
Build and progress
Build with full support from Sam and Ramy, with one goal: make your first dollar.
You provide: Regular progress updates.
Funding
Season 1 funding pool
$100,000 USD
Up to $100,000 USD in funding across selected founders, through awards and negotiated investments.
Funding is selective, not guaranteed. Investment terms are negotiated individually and closed outside this site.
Eligibility
- You must be 18 or older.
- You must live in the United States or Canada.
- Solo founders and teams are both welcome.
- You can apply once per season. Your application is tied to your legal name and your account's email address, and duplicate applications are discarded.
- New SaaS and software ideas. You don't need a product, customers or revenue to apply.
Judging criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Problem and customer clarity | 20% |
| Evidence of demand | 20% |
| Feasibility and execution | 20% |
| Differentiation and AI advantage | 15% |
| Business model and route to customers | 15% |
| Founder commitment and learning | 10% |
Competitors
Competitors are announced as they advance. None have been announced yet.