What is The Villa?
We are a network of investors that selects top talents each month for a retreat-powered incubator, where they build startups in just seven days—supported by funding opportunities, a strong investor community, and guidance from leading executives.
Our goal is to help young talents and devoted visionaries take their first step into the world of business and entrepreneurship — not just by building a company, but by creating a launchpad for lifelong connections, bold ideas, and real impact. At The Villa, you’ll gain the tools, the network, and the support to bring your vision to life — and maybe even create the next big thing, together with people who’ll be part of your journey for years to come.
The program.
Day one.
A soft landing with focus and connection. We kick things off with energizing icebreakers and team-building activities to break down barriers and build trust early. Each participant then pitches their own idea — not to win, but to be heard. Through a guided skills mapping session, we uncover everyone’s unique strengths, experiences, and ambitions. This first day is all about alignment, inspiration, and laying the foundation for collaboration.
Day two.
From insight to alignment. With momentum from day one, we shift focus to identifying real-world problems that matter. Facilitator-led sessions guide participants through structured problem-framing and challenge exploration. Based on shared interests and complementary skills, teams begin to form organically. The goal is to build teams that are not just functional — but aligned in vision and driven by purpose. By the end of the day, every participant is part of a team and ready to build.
Day three.
From ideas to models. Teams now take their initial concepts and translate them into structured business models using the Business Model Canvas. With guidance from experienced coaches, they explore key assumptions around value propositions, customer segments, and revenue streams. The day is about testing logic, identifying gaps, and shaping a business concept that has both purpose and potential. Coaches are hands-on throughout to challenge, refine, and elevate each team’s thinking.
Day four.
Validate before you build. Teams go into the field — conducting interviews, mapping competitors, and gathering real-world input to test their assumptions. This is where ideas either hold up or fall apart. Based on the insights collected, each team begins sketching out their MVP (Minimum Viable Product), turning abstract concepts into tangible first versions. It’s a messy, creative, and energizing day where theory meets reality.
Day five.
Lay the legal foundation. With a clearer product direction in place, it’s time to get serious about structure. Legal experts and templates guide teams through key topics like shareholder agreements, company formation, and ownership structures. The focus is on building companies that are not just exciting — but built to last. Teams start preparing their official documents and gain clarity on their legal setup and internal agreements.
Day six.
Refine the pitch, sharpen the vision. With the MVP defined and the business structured, it’s time to focus on communication. Teams pitch their concepts in front of coaches and peers to get sharp, actionable feedback. One-on-one coaching sessions are held to fine-tune delivery, structure the story, and prepare for Demo Day. It’s a chance to polish the message and ensure each team can clearly explain what they’re building — and why it matters.
Day seven.
Launch or let go. The final day is all about clarity and commitment. Each team pitches their MVP to a panel of investors, entrepreneurs, and advisors. The feedback is real and the stakes are high. If investors see strong potential — and if the team commits to pursuing the company — Letters of Intent (LOIs) for future investment can be offered on the spot.
Strategy
The Villa is designed to lower the barrier to entrepreneurship. Our seven-day camp model brings together five driven individuals each month to form real companies from scratch. By taking a 10% equity stake in every startup, we create alignment and long-term commitment — building a portfolio of early-stage ventures with scale in mind. Through a mix of team formation, hands-on learning, and our Resident Network, Villa becomes the launchpad for the next generation of founders.
Execution
The camp runs over seven days and follows a clear path: idea generation, team building, validation, company formation, and pitch training. Throughout the week, participants are supported by top executives, founders, and investors who are with them every step of the way — offering hands-on feedback, mentorship, and real-world insight. On Day 7, each team presents their MVP to investors. From there, founders join Villa’s Resident Network — a long-term community offering continued support, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
Strategy
The Villa is designed to lower the barrier to entrepreneurship. Our seven-day camp model brings together five driven individuals each month to form real companies from scratch. By taking a 10% equity stake in every startup, we create alignment and long-term commitment — building a portfolio of early-stage ventures with scale in mind. Through a mix of team formation, hands-on learning, and our Resident Network, Villa becomes the launchpad for the next generation of founders.
Execution
The camp runs over seven days and follows a clear path: idea generation, team building, validation, company formation, and pitch training. Throughout the week, participants are supported by top executives, founders, and investors who are with them every step of the way — offering hands-on feedback, mentorship, and real-world insight. On Day 7, each team launches their company and presents to investors. From there, founders join Villa’s Resident Network — a long-term community offering continued support, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
Resident Network
After The Villa, founders join our Resident Network — a long-term community designed to help startups grow beyond the camp. As residents, they get access to ongoing mentorship, investor introductions, expert support, and tailored resources. It’s where early-stage ideas turn into real, scalable companies — together with a network that’s built to last.
"I had the ambition, but not the contacts — and no clue how to start. The Villa gave me the tools, the network, and the push I needed to finally take the leap and build something real."
— Amina K., Founder of Verano
(Villa Batch #4)
"The intensity and clarity The Villa gives these young entrepreneurs in just seven days rivals what most incubators deliver in seven months. It’s hands-on, it’s raw, and it works."
— Mikael Thunström, Entrepreneur & Startup Coach
"The Villa isn't just building companies — they're building founders. Every month, I see a new team emerge sharper, smarter, and more investable than the month before."
— Sara Lindh, Partner at Northbeam Capital