Build Before You Pitch — Fall 2026 | Daybreak Labs

In today's funding climate, great ideas aren't enough. Investors want solid foundations, evidence of traction, and strategic partnerships that prove your business is real.

Build Before You Pitch is Daybreak Labs' flagship 9-week program that transforms early-stage technical founders into investment-ready entrepreneurs. You'll build the seven pillars of your business with an exceptional team of instructors:

📋 Business Plan Mastery — Drew Felker, Serial Founder in Aerospace & Decarbonization
💰 Customer Acquisition — David Shefler, Senior Director of Business Development
⚖️ Legal Foundation — Lauren Creel & Madhuri Roy, Partners at Cooley LLP (with individual office hours)
👥 Team Architecture — Luis Martinez, Principal at Capital Factory
🎯 Value Proposition — Linda Liu, Partner at 3E Bioventures
🔍 Competitive Intelligence — Jason Sydow, Partner at Next47
📊 Financial Fundamentals — Carole-Lynn Glass, COO & CFO at Engine Room

New this cohort: participants receive a business plan template and submit their plan before the program begins. Value Proposition is now a dedicated session.

Program Details:
📅 September 4 – October 30, 2026
⏰ Fridays, 12:00 – 2:00 PM (lunch provided)
📍 Daybreak Labs, 7683 Southfront Road, Suite 230, Livermore, CA
🎯 Demo Day: October 30
📝 Application Deadline: August 10

💰 Investment: $750 (complimentary for Daybreak Labs members and pipeline founders)

Who Should Apply:
Early-stage founders in hard tech, life sciences, biotech, medtech, AI, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Ideal candidates are technical founders who have the science but need to build the business.

Track Record:
21+ founders trained across 2 cohorts. 4.67/5 recommendation score. 92% pitch confidence.

This program doesn't end at Demo Day — founders receive ongoing advisor access, quarterly investor check-ins, and continued business development support.

Sponsored by Cooley LLP and mentored by Bay Angels.

🔗 Learn more: Program Webpage
✍️ Apply: Here

Spots are limited.