Michael Caton

Inaugural Cohort

Cohort 2

Discover the venture capital (VC) world in this 30-minute crash course! 💡 Learn about startup funding stages, how VC firms operate and make decisions, the power law dynamics of portfolio construction, and the fundraising process from pitching to term sheets. This talk provides a solid foundation whether you're an aspiring AEC Tech entrepreneur seeking funding or simply curious about VC. Register now and take the next step towards expanding your grasp of the VC world! 🚀

Lighting Talk ⚡- Venture Capital 101

Curious about the world of AEC startups? Access my free Startup 101 Lighning Talk. You'll discover the key differences between traditional firms and startups, explore the startup lifecycle and lean methodology, and learn the critical mindset shift needed to succeed in this dynamic environment. Whether you're considering a career change or just curious, this session is packed with insights to help you navigate this exciting new frontier. Drop your email below 👇🏿 and take the next step towards unlocking your potential! 🚀

Lighting Talk ⚡ - Startup 101

Startup founders building new businesses, from MVP to scale.

Unlock your potential as an innovation leader in architecture. Connect with startups, assess opportunities, and negotiate for impact.

Michael Caton, AIA, NOMA

Break Into AEC Startups

Sr. Architectural Designer/Product Designer

This course is designed for architects frustrated with the industry's pace of innovation and their place in it. This course will empower you to connect with startups, assess opportunities, and negotiate effectively for impactful roles. Throughout the program, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to navigate startup ecosystems confidently. From identifying mission-aligned startups to conducting simple yet effective due diligence on their leadership and business models, you'll learn to make informed decisions that drive meaningful change. But it doesn't stop there. This course will also provide the tools and strategies to excel in informational interviews, enabling you to build strong connections with founding teams and showcase your value as a strategic partner in driving innovation. By the end of the course, you'll emerge as a confident and capable leader, poised to make a scalable impact in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Join us and take the first step towards becoming an impactful intrapreneur or collaborator with industry-shaping startups.

Ready to unlock your potential as an innovation leader in architecture?

Course syllabus

Tuesdays & Fridays

Wednesdays

Hands on projects giving you tangible tools to break through.

Weekly projects

Course schedule

Architects, Engineers and Designers dissatisfied with the state of practice and eager to be part of innovating new industry pathways.

AEC professionals seeking greater agency in their work, while learning to connect strategic outcomes to the task at hand.

The next generation of industry leaders driven to break into AEC Tech who wish to maximize the probability of a successful startup entry.

Who is this course for

You'll learn

Discover mission-aligned startups through VC portfolio research, accelerator networks, architect founder networks, and ecosystem mapping techniques.

How to find mission-aligned startups

Gain visibility by understanding influence, building relationship capital, studying key materials for an edge, and mastering the art of the informational interview.

How to get on a team's radar

Ace applications and interviews by showcasing mission alignment, conviction to define the future, connecting outputs to outcomes, and demonstrating startup knowledge through insightful questions.

How to ace the application and interview process

Master due diligence with insights on total compensation, valuations, risk assessment, and creating simple yet effective CEO and business model scorecards.

Learn directly from Michael Caton

Michael Caton

Courses

Break Into AEC Startups

Resources

Lighting Talk ⚡ - Startup 101

Lighting Talk ⚡- Venture Capital 101