Builders. The inside story. 🖖🏻📖

Over the last 2.5 years of being an independent studio, we've fine-tuned our processes and operations multiple times. Transitioning from agency and corporate product-building backgrounds to the studio world, we've learned the ropes.

Lately, we've been taking a closer look at our studio model. Questions like, "What kind of founders are we looking for?" and "Should we broaden our scope?" have been on our minds. The result? We've defined six key pillars, which we like to call the Builders Studio Scope. 😎

Here's a glimpse:

💡 Founders and Ideas: What ideas do you pursue, and who do you pursue them with?

🎯 Strict Focus: Why should you get more focus in your studio scope?

💰 Skin in the Game: What is the reason to partner up with founders who skip compensations?

🚀 More startups: Why did we change our startup launch strategy from 2 to 4 per year?

🚦 Stage Gates: How to strike the perfect balance between stage gates and empowering founders?

🤝 Partnering with Founders: What persona anyway? repeat founders?

Curious to know more about these pillars and how we got here? Check out my latest article here.

From our universe 🪐

On the studio side 🌌

Fractional CTO

Unlocking the power of the right technical expertise can be a game-changer for any company. As a studio, we have multiple CTOs in residence working on our latest companies and projects.

To support the greater ecosystem, those CTOs are also available for select projects on a fractional basis. With that, any startup or scaleup can get expert guidance and hands-on support to tackle technical challenges. Whether it’s preparing for a funding round, refining an MVP, or establishing an in-house team.

We’re picky on who we decide to work with and are flexible in the engagement. The goal should always be to elevate your company to the next level.

Hit reply to get access to a notion page with in-depth information.

The Gallery Podcast

I recently joined the Gallery Podcast hosted by Jake Hurwitz, where we dove deep into the world of marketing for studios. We explored the art of crafting a narrative that makes your studio the buzz of investors and the dream of every entrepreneur. It's all about creating an identity and a story that resonates.

Want to gain more insights? Listen to the full episode here.

Builders Investor House x EYnovation
We've got just a handful of spots left for the next Builders Investor House edition, and this time, we're co-hosting with EY Rotterdam. It's a night of insightful conversations and problem-solving, all while enjoying breathtaking views from the 20th floor. 🌃

During the evening, we'll have a fireside chat with Noëlle Fischer and Victor Westerwoudt from Clockworks, with support from EYnovation. Dive into their entrepreneurial journey, the highs, the lows, and the untold stories behind their success.

This is an invite-only event on November 30th at 17:00. To secure your spot, request an invite here.

At our ventures 🚀

• Noon is going full circle! They have introduced actions—a game-changer for boosting productivity and team efficiency.

  • Set clear objectives for team alignment.

  • Monitor real-time data to stay in sync and make quick adjustments.

  • Provide an opportunity for self-reflection and stress management improvement.

  Want to learn more about this feature? Have a chat with HJ and get all your questions answered.

• In Noon’s latest case study they spotlight the adventurous travel app: Polarsteps. When teams are navigating challenges of rapid growth and balancing team dynamics, it is important to make sure everyone stays on track and aligned. Especially during busy moments such as the travel peak season, the customer success team of Polarsteps needed a tool to keep track of how everyone is doing. Read the full case study here.

What we’re following 👀

• We all know that generative AI is everywhere. But how can you keep track about what's already out there? Just found an article reporting 9 VC's who published generative AI reports to show you what's out there and what category they're in. Have a look at it here.

• Sharon Klaver recently made an appearance on the "Your Career Compass" podcast, hosted by Christina Ioannidou. She dished out some fantastic insights on entrepreneurship, sharing her own experiences and wisdom. It's a must-listen if you're curious about what it takes to make it as a founder and the secrets to staying sharp in the game. Listen it here.

• The Studio Fundraise Map has welcomed over 30 studios from around the world. They bring not only geographical diversity but also a wide range of expertise, spanning from cutting-edge deep tech to the captivating world of art-tech. 🌍🚀

  Calling all investors! Want exclusive access to this thriving studio community? Sign up here or reach out to Daan de Brouwer for a meeting right away.

Come build with us 🧑‍💻

We’re still looking for Co-founders with grit.

Check out our Build with us page. Check out our ideas for the future of work or bring your own, make sure it’s solid though.

We’re looking for big tangible problems to solve, not just dreams.

Interested? or do you know someone who could be a fit? Let me know.

Forward, always,

Michael van Lier
Managing Director at Builders