How We Work With Founders

• 01

  Pick a big problem

  Great companies solve important problems for A LOT of customers. In collaboration with Menlo’s investment team that is constantly evaluating the best private companies, we ensure you zero in on a problem worth solving.

• 02

  Validate the need

  No business plan survives first customers. Our validation experts embrace a structured customer discovery process, transforming hypotheses into demonstrated customer needs through primary research with end users. Our vast network of investors, portfolio companies, industry experts and research resources accelerates the process.

• 03

  Identify a wedge

  Finding product-market fit is the hardest part of any startup journey. Our team helps you quickly explore and test a range of mission-aligned MVPs with target customers, increasing the odds  that “when you build it, they will come.”

• 04

  Build your team

  All great startups require the efforts of world-class teammates and collaborators. Our talent team and recruiter network help you identify and attract world-class co-founders and early team members.

• 05

  Land first customers

  To really test, iterate on, and scale an idea, you need customers. We work closely with you to land your first set of customers, ensuring you’re set up for success.