Pillar 04 · Startups & Entrepreneurship
CASIT Launchpad
Helping founders develop businesses through mentorship, operational expertise, educational programs, and appropriate investor networking.
Focus areas
- a Startup education
- b Founder mentorship
- c Product validation
- d Revenue and business operations
- e Investor readiness
Purpose
Why CASIT Launchpad exists
Entrepreneurship runs deep in our community. More of us are now building technology companies, but early-stage founders often lack access to people who have built, sold, and scaled software before.
CASIT Launchpad connects founders with experienced operators, executives, and fellow founders in the community who can help them think clearly, avoid common mistakes, and prepare for growth.
Who it's for
- 01 Founders with an idea, an early product, or early revenue
- 02 Professionals considering starting a company
- 03 Experienced operators, executives, and founders who want to support others
Core benefits
What participants gain
- 01
Founder mentorship
Talk through decisions with people who have built and operated companies.
- 02
Startup education
Learn the fundamentals: customer discovery, pricing, hiring, legal basics, and fundraising options.
- 03
Product validation
Test whether the problem is real and the solution fits before spending heavily to build it.
- 04
Go-to-market strategy
Get input on positioning, sales motion, and finding your first customers.
- 05
Revenue and operations
Set up the systems, metrics, and processes that make a young company easier to run.
- 06
Investor readiness
Understand what investors look for and how to prepare, if outside funding is right for you.
Activities
What the program includes
CASIT is in its founding phase. These are the activities this program is being built around; they launch in stages as members join and volunteer.
- Founder conversations
- One-to-one or small-group conversations with experienced operators and founders.
- Startup education sessions
- CASIT Insights sessions focused on startups and entrepreneurship.
- Feedback sessions
- Structured feedback on a product, pitch, or go-to-market plan.
- Investor networking
- Where appropriate, and only when founders are ready, introductions to people in the investment community.
How participation works
Getting involved
- 01
Submit founder interest
Tell us about your company, its stage, and the support that would help most.
- 02
We review it
CASIT reviews your submission against the eligibility criteria on this page.
- 03
Get connected
If a suitable member is available, CASIT may offer an introduction.
- 04
Build and give back
As your company grows, help the founders who come after you.
Funding and investor meetings are not guaranteed
CASIT does not invest in companies or provide funding. Participation in Launchpad does not guarantee investor introductions, meetings, or investment of any kind.
Get started
Tell us what you are building
Eligibility: you are 18 or older and are building, or planning to build, a technology or technology-enabled company, and you are connected to the Chaldean, Assyrian, or Syriac community. Submitting does not guarantee a match, an introduction, or a response.
Become a Founder Advisor
Built a company or worked in startups? Share your experience with aspiring founders as a volunteer advisor. Advisors do not arrange investment or give legal, accounting or investment advice.
FAQs
Common questions
Does CASIT invest in startups or provide funding?
No. CASIT does not provide funding. Launchpad is about education, mentorship, and operational support.
Will I be introduced to investors?
Investor introductions or meetings are not guaranteed. Where it is appropriate and a founder is ready, CASIT may help with introductions, but any investment decision is entirely between the founder and the investor.
Do I need a product or revenue to apply?
No. Founders at the idea stage are eligible. Tell us where you are today.
Does my company have to be in technology?
Launchpad focuses on technology and technology-enabled companies. Established businesses looking to modernize should see CASIT Business.
Can my company be listed in the CASIT directory?
Possibly. Companies built by community members can be submitted for review on the company submission page. Every listing is reviewed manually against the same criteria.
Have you built a company? Help the next founder.
Join CASIT and let us know you would like to support CASIT Launchpad.