Welcome to

Delta Founders Academy

Shaping the next generation of successful entrepreneurs

Shaping the next generation of

successful entrepreneurs

Shaping the next generation of successful entrepreneurs

15+ programs in diverse industries

1000+ students registered

15+ programs in

diverse industries

1000+ students registered

15+ programs in diverse industries

1000+ students registered

A practical program designed to help high school students build real startups in just 8 weeks.

Delta Founders Academy is a hands-on, pre-incubator program that guides high school students through the process of developing a business idea into a functional startup. In this 8-week program, you will actively create and test a business concept, develop a product prototype, and pitch your startup to real investors. By the end of the program, you will have the skills and experience to launch a real business, from initial idea validation to securing potential investment.

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Mentored by the founders of some of the most successful startups, including:

Crimson Education

Multinational university admissions consultancy headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. Valued at $554 million, with key investors including Tiger Management, Icehouse Ventures, and Verlinvest.

ClipBook

A B2B SaaS AI research platform founded in 2022. In April 2022, Clipbook raised $100,000 in funding from Higher Ground Labs, an accelerator/incubator.

Angrela

AI-driven platform that streamlines e-commerce product data management. In 2024, the company secured $500,000 in seed funding from Y Combinator, valuing the company at approximately $1,830,000 post-investment.

AI-driven platform that streamlines

e-commerce product data management. In 2024, the company secured $500,000 in seed funding from Y Combinator, valuing the company at approximately $1,830,000 post-investment.

AI-driven platform that streamlines

e-commerce product data management.

In 2024, the company secured $500,000 in seed funding from Y Combinator, valuing the company at approximately $1,830,000 post-investment.

Stealth

Specialized recruitment firm dedicated to assisting stealth-mode startups in launching, hiring, and scaling effectively.

WHAT WE OFFER

About the Program

Over 8 weeks, students will work on a specific startup idea, going through each stage of the entrepreneurial process. From discovering and validating a real-world problem to creating a prototype, testing it in the market, and preparing to pitch to investors, this program provides the practical experience needed to start your own company. Delta Founders Academy is structured into distinct phases, each designed to mimic the early-stage startup journey:

WEEK 1 - 2

Problem Discovery & Validation

Learn how to identify a pressing problem in the market, conduct customer interviews, and validate your idea by ensuring there is a real demand for your solution.

WEEK 3 - 4

Prototyping & Business Model Development

Use no-code tools to create a working product prototype and build a sustainable revenue model for your business.

WEEK 5-6

Go-To-Market Strategy & Customer Acquisition

Learn how to launch your product, acquire early customers, and develop marketing strategies that drive sales and growth.

WEEK 7 - 8

Investor Readiness & Demo Day

Get personalized coaching on how to craft a compelling investor pitch, including how to present your product and business model effectively to potential investors.

Top 2 Teams to Present at Icehouse Ventures Incubator

At the conclusion of the program, the top two teams will receive the incredible opportunity to present their startups at Icehouse Ventures, one of the most prestigious startup accelerators in the world. This exposure to YC investors and mentors can open doors for funding, partnerships, and scaling opportunities.

At the conclusion of the program, the top two teams will receive the incredible opportunity to present their startups at

Y Combinator (YC), one of the most prestigious startup accelerators in the world. This exposure to YC investors and mentors can open doors for funding, partnerships, and scaling opportunities.

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ABOUT ICEHOUSE VENTURES

Icehouse Ventures backs the bold—investing in New Zealand’s most driven founders from day one. With a powerful network of investors, mentors, and global connections, they help early-stage startups turn ambitious ideas into world-changing ventures.

Startups Powered by Icehouse Ventures

MEET THE MENTORS

Learn from the Founders

Learn directly from the founders behind some of today’s most exciting startups. They’ve turned bold ideas into real ventures—and are here to share their insights, challenges, and lessons to help you navigate your own entrepreneurial journey.

Jamie Beaton

Education entrepreneur and Rhodes Scholar and serial entrepreneur with degrees from Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford.

Co-founded Crimson Education, helping 20,000+ students gain entry to top universities.

Education entrepreneur and Rhodes Scholar and serial entrepreneur with degrees from Harvard, Stanford, and Oxford.

Co-founded Crimson Education, helping 20,000+ students gain entry to top universities.

Fangzhou Jiang

Education entrepreneur and global operator with experience building teams across 30+ countries.

Co-founded Crimson Education and led its expansion across Asia and Europe.

Education entrepreneur and global operator with experience building teams across 30+ countries.

Co-founded Crimson Education and led its expansion across Asia and Europe.

Adam Joseph

Education leader with a background in strategy, student experience, and business development.

Former Director at Crimson Education and advisor on multiple edtech initiatives.

Education leader with a background in strategy, student experience, and business development.

Former Director at Crimson Education and advisor on multiple edtech initiatives.

Amay Aggarwal

Product leader with AI/ML expertise and startup experience from Uber and Y Combinator.

Co-founder of Develop for Good and Angler, with degrees from Stanford University.

Product leader with AI/ML expertise and startup experience from Uber and Y Combinator.

Co-founder of Develop for Good and Angler, with degrees from Stanford University.

Yang Fan Yun

Stanford-trained engineer and product builder with background in logistics and marketplaces.

Co-founder of Composite and former Uber Product Manager leading global features.

Stanford-trained engineer and product builder with background in logistics and marketplaces.

Co-founder of Composite and former Uber Product Manager leading global features.

THE BENEFITS

Post-Program Benefits

Develop a high-impact project, benefiting from step-by-step guidance and real-time feedback,

positioning you for future success.

Invitation to Icehouse Ventures Incubator

The top two teams will receive an invitation to join Icehouse Ventures Incubator, providing additional mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities.

Professional Networking & Funding

Gain access to a network of startup founders, investors, and accelerators, opening doors to potential funding and partnership opportunities.

Real-World Experience

You will leave the program with a tangible portfolio, showcasing your startup journey and experience, which can be valuable for college applications and future career opportunities.