The Founders Reboot is a carefully structured journey designed to guide early-stage startups through their critical development phase. This program empowers founders to overcome the most critical startup challenges, such as maintaining self-motivation, building resilience in uncertain markets, mastering effective sales strategies, and securing the necessary funding to launch and scale their ventures.
The program ensures that founders receive the skills, mentorship, and strategies they need to build confidence, validate their ideas, and secure investment. This isn’t just about building a startup; it’s about preparing you to excel in the entrepreneurial space with the right mindset and tools for success.
The Program Is FREE
Subject to your application’s approval
One application for your entire team
About IRIS Vision Capital
IRIS Vision Capital (IRIS V.C) founded by Steven Dossou (www.stevendossou.com) is a global investment ecosystem bridging founders, funds, and investors across Europe, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. – 13k+ Investors
We specialize in fundraising support, capital matchmaking, and cross-border deal facilitation — helping startups, GPs, and LPs connect seamlessly and scale faster.
What Makes the Founders Reboot Program Unique?
1. Fast Funding Opportunities
Gain immediate connections to potential investors who believe in your vision following the validation of your idea, giving you a direct line to essential funding.
2. Action-Focused Curriculum
We provide clear, practical strategies that you can implement immediately, ensuring progress after each session.
3. Expert Coaching and Mentorship
Learn directly from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors who have successfully built, scaled, and funded startups.
4. Comprehensive Skill Development
We focus on personal growth, resilience, and leadership development to help you build the mindset required for effective decision-making, team management, and long-term growth.
5. Optional Incubation Extension
After the core 4-week program, you have the opportunity to join the 6-week incubation extension at no additional cost with one of our partners. This extension offers intensive sessions with our partner incubator, allowing you to further refine your startup’s strategy and scale your business with expert insights.
What You’ll Gain from the Founders Reboot Program?
1. Investor-Ready Startup
This segment of the program ensures that your startup is polished and ready for investor conversations.
2. Leadership Development
Learn the psychology behind effective leadership and discover how to build and manage a resilient, high-performing team.
3. Presentation Mastery
We focus on storytelling, crafting impactful pitch decks, and using body language to enhance your message’s credibility towards various audiences, including investors .
4. Sales Strategies
Acquire effective techniques to engage clients, communicate your value proposition, and close deals confidently. The edge you need in sales conversations and client negotiations.
5. Resilience Building
Build the mental toughness and adaptability required to navigate the pressures of entrepreneurship. Learn to manage stress, maintaining focus, and overcoming obstacles, ensuring you stay proactive and resilient.
6. High-Performance Mindset
Develop techniques for optimizing your productivity and maintaining consistent focus during high-stress periods. You’ll learn how to build a sustainable routine that supports high performance while avoiding burnout.
7. Direct Access to Investors
Engage with our network of angel investors and venture capitalists. We provide you with the strategic opportunities to connect, pitch, and build relationships with potential investors who are eager to support promising startups.
The Program Is FREE
Subject to your application’s approval
One application for your entire team
Program Structure:
Intensive Hands On 4-Week Journey
Each week, we meet for 2 to 3 hours to dive into critical skills and strategies essential for early-stage startups. Here’s what you can expect:
Week 1- : Resilience & High-Performance Mindset
In the first week, we focus on developing the mental toughness needed to handle the demands of entrepreneurship.
- Learn to manage stress and pressure effectively.
- Develop routines that support sustainable, high performance.
- Recognize and combat symptoms of burnout before they impact your business.
- Build techniques for maintaining mental clarity and agility, allowing you to stay proactive and focused.
Week 2 : Mastering Presentation & Pitching Skills
This session hones your ability to communicate and pitch ideas persuasively.
- Gain confidence in public speaking and presenting to diverse audiences.
- Learn storytelling techniques that make your business pitch memorable and engaging.
- Design visually compelling pitch decks that resonate with investors.
- Master the use of body language and non-verbal communication to boost your credibility.
- Deliver impactful presentations that leave lasting impressions on potential investors.
Week 3 : Leadership Development & Critical Thinking
Effective leadership is crucial for startup success, and this week focuses on building those skills.
- Discover your leadership style and understand its impact on your team.
- Learn the core attributes and psychology of successful leaders.
- Develop decision-making skills using critical thinking and problem-solving methods.
- Build stronger relationships within your team and network of investors.
- Learn to manage crises and lead your team through challenging times effectively.
Week 4 : Sales Strategies & Investor Readiness
The final session focuses on sales mastery and investor preparedness.
- Develop a strategic sales mindset that drives business growth.
- Understand the psychology of selling and how to influence potential investors.
- Learn to craft pitches that highlight your startup’s unique value proposition.
- Master techniques for closing deals with clarity and confidence.
- Prepare for investor meetings and secure funding with a compelling pitch.
The Program Is FREE
Subject to your application’s approval
One application for your entire team
Additional Support FOR FREE : Full Start-Up Incubation
For startups seeking more in-depth refinement and continued growth, we offer a 6-week incubation extension—free of charge when you sign up for the Founders Reboot Program. The incubation provides:
- Market Validation: Test your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with real-world feedback and adapt your solution for maximum market fit.
- Investor Relations: Gain personalized coaching on engaging and building relationships with potential investors, ensuring you secure the funding your startup needs.
- Business Model Optimization: Refine your business model, optimize revenue streams, and manage costs effectively with expert guidance.
- Team Scaling: Learn best practices for hiring, managing team dynamics, and scaling your company culture as your team grows.
- Sales Growth: Develop a scalable sales process that drives growth, converts leads, and enhances your brand’s visibility.
- Investor Pitching: Receive detailed feedback on your pitch through mock investor meetings, ensuring you’re ready to impress potential investors with a refined presentation.
Meet Some of Our Mentors and Investors In The Ecosystem : Your Guides to Startup Success
Our mentors and investors have navigated the complexities of corporate growth, startup scaling, and investment management. They have built successful companies, led IPOs, managed mergers, and guided startups from idea to exit. With this wealth of experience, they know the challenges you face and, more importantly, how to overcome them.
1. José Basilio Simões
Background: With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and investor, José has led multiple ventures through successful IPOs and major acquisitions. As a mentor, he specializes in helping startups scale efficiently while building sustainable business models. His knowledge in fundraising and investor relations provides invaluable insights for founders looking to secure investment.
Competencies: Strategic business scaling, fundraising techniques, investor relations, and business model optimization.
2. Jorge Dot
Background: Jorge is an accredited business angel and entrepreneur with significant experience in energy and sustainability startups. Based in Madrid, he is also a shareholder and manager of the Wundersight group. His mentoring approach combines a deep understanding of technology-driven business models with the practical skills needed for high-impact pitching and negotiation.
Competencies: Pitch development, sustainable business growth, market validation, and strategic partnerships.
3. Tiago Vaz Serra
Background: Tiago is a finance expert with a robust track record in startup investment. His expertise lies in guiding founders through the intricacies of raising capital, managing investor relations, and building financial models that align with business growth strategies. Tiago’s hands-on mentorship ensures that participants understand the fundamentals of financial management and capital raising.
Competencies: Financial modeling, capital raising strategies, investor communications, and growth planning.
4. Luis Prazeres
Financial Consultant and Investment Strategist
Expertise:
- Expert in financial planning and investment strategies for startups aiming for sustainable growth.
- Provides mentorship on structuring capital raises and managing investor relationships.
- Skilled in developing financial models that align with startup scalability and market potential.
- Experienced in guiding startups through the process of securing both angel and institutional funding.
What Our Experts
Offer:
Deep Startup Expertise:
Having founded, scaled, and invested in numerous startups, our mentors understand what it takes to grow a business from the ground up. They provide actionable insights and proven strategies tailored to early-stage founders.
Corporate Wisdom and Strategic Insight:
With backgrounds in corporate leadership, our team brings a level of professionalism and strategic planning that bridges the gap between the corporate world and the dynamic startup ecosystem. They know how to build sustainable business models that attract investors and create long-term value.
Proven Track Record in Securing Investment:
Our mentors and investors have collectively raised millions in funding for startups, leading successful capital raises and navigating complex negotiations with venture capitalists and angel investors. They will share their fundraising playbook, ensuring that you are equipped with the strategies needed to secure investment.
Diverse Skill Sets for Comprehensive Support:
From finance and operations to leadership and sales, the team’s diverse expertise means you will receive support in every aspect of your startup journey. Whether it’s perfecting your pitch, optimizing your business model, or developing resilience, our mentors provide tailored advice to meet your specific needs.
What Sets Our Mentors and Investors Apart?
1: Real-World Experience:
All our mentors and investors are active in the startup ecosystem and have personally navigated the challenges of growing ventures and securing funding. They tailor their guidance based on real-world demands and firsthand knowledge.
2: Hands-On Support:
Our mentors provide practical, hands-on advice that includes step-by-step guidance on refining pitches, building business models, and connecting with investors.
3: Diverse Expertise:
The team covers a broad range of skills, from finance and operations to leadership and pitch development, ensuring that every aspect of your startup journey is comprehensively supported.
4: Global Network Access:
Our mentors and investors are connected with a global network of angel investors, VCs, and industry experts. Through these connections, participants have the opportunity to build valuable relationships that can lead to strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.
Why Choose the Founders Reboot Program?
When you join the Founders Reboot Program, you are not just participating in another startup course—you are gaining access to a collective powerhouse of over 100+ years of industry knowledge and expertise. Our mentors and investors are committed to your growth and success, offering you the tools, strategies, and confidence to thrive.
This level of support, experience, and guidance is what sets Startup Chrysalis apart. With us, you’re not alone; you have a dedicated team with a proven track record by your side, ready to help you transform your vision into a scalable, successful venture.
Additional Support: Incubation Extension
For startups seeking more in-depth refinement and continued growth, we offer an 6-week incubation extension—free of charge when you sign up for the Founders Reboot Program. This extension provides:
Market Validation:
Test your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with real-world feedback and adapt your solution for maximum market fit.
Investor Relations
Gain personalized coaching on engaging and building relationships with potential investors, ensuring you secure the funding your startup needs.
Business Model Optimization:
Refine your business model, optimize revenue streams, and manage costs effectively with expert guidance.
Team Scaling:
Learn best practices for hiring, managing team dynamics, and scaling your company culture as your team grows.
Investor Pitching:
Receive detailed feedback on your pitch through mock investor meetings, ensuring you’re ready to impress potential investors with a refined presentation.
Sales Growth:
Develop a scalable sales process that drives growth, converts leads, and enhances your brand’s visibility.
Our Key Partners
More Partners








What’s Included in Each Session?
Each session in the Founders Reboot Program is designed to maximize your startup’s growth through interactive learning and practical exercises:
Hands-on Workshops:
Every session features practical exercises tailored to your startup’s context, focusing on real-world application and skill development.
Live Coaching Sessions:
Experienced mentors guide you through each step, offering insights drawn from their own entrepreneurial and investment journeys.
Actionable Takeaways:
Each week, you’ll receive a set of actionable steps and strategies to implement, ensuring continuous progress between sessions.
Supportive Resources:
We provide comprehensive materials, including workbooks, templates, and strategy guides, to help reinforce the concepts covered during each session and support your development after the program.
Check Out What Previous Participants
Think About Founders Reboot
Founder of The Sleep Coach
Founder of Real Estate Company
Founder & Investor Relations Manager
Common Objections and Why You
Shouldn’t Hesitate
We understand that you might have some hesitations, so we’ve addressed the most common objections:
- “I’m too early in my startup journey.”
Startup Chrysalis is specifically designed for early-stage entrepreneurs who need support in validating their ideas, building their teams, and connecting with investors. We guide you step by step, ensuring you’re ready for investor conversations. - “I don’t have a team yet.”
No problem! We help you understand the process of building a team and offer networking opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who could become part of your startup journey. - “I’m worried I won’t have enough time.”
Our program is structured to be efficient and effective, with once-a-week sessions lasting 2 to 3 hours over 4 weeks. The sessions are intense but manageable, with clear, actionable steps that you can execute between meetings. - “What if I can’t find funding?”
One of the program’s core components is connecting you directly with our network of angel investors and venture capitalists once your idea is validated. We provide you with the tools to create compelling pitches that attract funding. - “I’ve tried other programs; how is this different?”
Unlike many programs that focus on theory, Startup Chrysalis emphasizes action and results. You receive tailored coaching, direct investor introductions, and practical tools to ensure your startup is ready for growth and investment.
Ready to Transform Your Startup?
The Founders Reboot offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by early-stage startups. With our guidance, you will gain the tools, mindset, and connections needed to accelerate your growth and secure investment.
For only €479, you and your team (up to three members) will receive:
- 4 intensive weekly sessions focused on key skills and strategies.
- Personalized feedback and mentorship from industry experts.
- Comprehensive materials and resources for continuous learning and development.
- Direct connections to angel investors and venture capitalists, providing you with immediate access to funding.
Meet Some Of Our Mentors: Over 100+ Years of Combined Corporate and Startup Experience
The Founders Reboot Program is facilitated by a team of accomplished mentors and investors who bring a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, investment, leadership development, and startup growth. These experts are committed to ensuring that each participant not only learns but also applies the skills necessary for startup success. Here’s a closer look at the expertise you’ll gain access to:
1. Carolyn Brand
Personal Brand Strategist & Public Speaker
Expertise:
- Public and Motivational Speaker , Personal Growth Consultant
- 25 Years of Business Experience in unlocking Potential, Embrace Authenticity, and Create Impact
- High-impact keynotes, interactive workshops, or in-depth leadership development programs
-
Specialized in personal branding, leadership, and growth strategies
2. Bruno Guerreiro
Sales & Marketing Expert
Expertise:
- Founder and CEO of Insight Scaling
- Over 23 million of sales made and 7 million of funds raised
- Optimizing the customer acquisition process, conversion rate, and customer experience
- Increasing the lifetime value of customers through tangible email marketing and SMS sequences
- Expert In Facebook Ads, Klavyio, Google, Website CRO and Tiktok
3. Vera Shatska
Leadership Expert & Trainer
Expertise:
- Expert in leadership development, focusing on impactful management techniques for startup founders.
- Offers personalized coaching to enhance decision-making and team dynamics.
- Deep understanding of business strategy and operations in fast-paced environments.
- Provides actionable steps for startups to scale effectively and sustainably.
8. Dr. Ilinca Serbanescu
Psychologist & Business Consultant
Expertise:
- Combines psychological insights with business strategies to support startups in building strong, resilient teams.
- Focuses on leadership development, helping founders navigate team dynamics and interpersonal challenges.
- Experienced in change management and crisis resolution for startups facing rapid growth or restructuring.
- Provides coaching on effective communication skills for founders to better engage with their teams and investors.
5. Elizabth Queta
Investor Relations Analyst
Expertise:
- Masters holder in Finance at the Halt International Business School in London
- Helps VC funds, Hedge funds and start-ups fundraise
- Consults on business strategies
- On a mission to empower venture capital firms to technology companies—through meticulous market analysis and investor relations.
10. Gabriela Vieira
Marketing Expert and Founder
Expertise:
- Marketing (BA) and Digital Strategy (MAS)
- Founder of Redborne digital marketing agency in the gaming industry.
- Digital Marketing strategist
- Expert in Influencer Marketing
- Active member of Women In Tech
-
Progamming enthusiast
-
Former hosts of start up events
9. João Nunes Rosado
Head of Portfolio
Expertise:
- Manages a diverse portfolio of startups, providing strategic guidance on scaling and investment readiness.
- Specializes in refining business models to align with investor expectations and market demands.
-
Experienced in developing pitch strategies that resonate with investors and increase funding success rates.
11. Sandra Evaristo
Senior HR Advisor | HR Consultant | Trainer | Mentor
Expertise:
- 18 years of HR experience in national and multinational companies
- Expert In Developing training programs for blue-collar workers
- Streamlining performance review processes
- passionate about supporting startups and small businesses. Dedicated to helping them build strong HR foundations that scale with growth
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The program runs over four weeks, with weekly live sessions lasting 2-3 hours each. Each session focuses on a critical skill set necessary for startup success and investor readiness, providing hands-on training and actionable strategies.
This program is perfect for early-stage founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those looking to secure funding and grow their business quickly. Whether you’re solo or have a small team, we provide the tools and support you need.
The program fee is €479 per startup team, covering up to three team members. This single payment includes all live sessions, personalized feedback, and access to additional resources.
Absolutely! Each session includes one-on-one feedback tailored to your startup’s needs. Our mentors work closely with you to ensure your business idea is refined and ready for investor conversations.
We connect you with potential investors immediately after your idea is validated, providing you with the opportunity to secure funding early in your startup’s journey.
That’s exactly why you should join! We help you validate your idea and make it investor-ready within the first two weeks, ensuring you have a strong foundation to build upon.
Yes! In addition to the optional 4-week incubation extension, participants can receive one-on-one coaching and support after the program at a discounted rate, ensuring you continue to receive guidance as you scale your business.