This year, we’re introducing exciting new perks designed to help startup founders thrive in every aspect of CodeLaunch, but also independent of the CodeLaunch curation process. Each new resource was crafted to equip you with the tools to emerge victorious at the next CodeLaunch competition and ignite your startup’s growth like never before, even if you don’t make one of our stages. This is your guide, founders, so follow these steps and you will be positioned to succeed as a technology startup founder, close a meaningful raise when it’s time, and maybe even hoist a championship belt on a CodeLaunch stage in 2025.
get ahead of our Curriculum
The first new addition to our process: we made our curriculum videos public. This used to be exclusive to our competing teams which made it into our cohorts, but it’s now open to everyone. This means any tech startup can prepare for, and even undertake our process at any time. What used to be homework assignments and challenges which were delivered with tight timelines are now accessible learning materials.
With this change, you can take our challenges at your own pace, so you can watch all the videos with your team and complete the tasks whenever it’s best for you. Our flexible approach allows you to complete our curriculum without the stress of rigid timelines. Then when you feel ready to apply, make sure to submit your work before the deadline. So, gather your team, familiarize yourselves with the material, and get a head start on your CodeLaunch journey by watching all five videos that make up our public curriculum now.
Submitting your Application
Before anything else happens, you need to submit a complete application.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing us you’re serious about what you’re building and ready to launch.
Here’s how to get it right:
- Watch the Stage 2 Application Video
This video walks you through everything—how we evaluate startups, what makes an application stand out, the challenge video, and what happens after you apply. Start here. It answers most of the questions we get.
- Check your email verification,
You should have received a link when you began your application. This is the link where you’ll complete your submission. Once done, you’ll get a confirmation email. Be sure to add CodeLaunch to your trusted contacts so nothing lands in spam. - Submit your Challenge Acceptance Video
After completing your application, the final step is recording your challenge acceptance video. To help our curation team evaluate how well you communicate and market your vision, we ask that you create a short one-minute video and post it on social media. - Get ready for the Finalist Reveal
Finalists are announced during an in-person happy hour event in your region, which is also streamed on social media. You can find the dates and details for your event on its specific CodeLaunch page or on our social channels.
Tips for a Solid acceptance Video
As part of your application, we’ll ask you to share a short video on social media introducing yourself to the CodeLaunch community. This video is your first touchpoint with the crowd—founders, investors, dev teams, and our extended network.
You don’t need high production. You do need to be real.
Here’s what we recommend:
✅ Record a Fresh, Personal Video
Don’t reuse your explainer or pitch deck video. Film something new, that is max 60 seconds long, where you tell us:
→ Why you’re excited to apply
→ What you’re building (your startup’s mission)
→ What you hope to get from CodeLaunch Accelerator
→ Call to action to follow @codelaunch subscribe to our YouTube channel (this is important)
→ Make sure your video is public, and lastly don’t forget to tag us so we can cheer on you!
Keep it honest, simple, and to the point. That works best.
👇 Check out this sample acceptance video to see what a solid submission looks like.
Follow and subscribe to codelaunch
Getting active in our community is a key first step in positioning yourself to compete in and win a CodeLaunch event. Follow us on all our social media platforms to stay updated and engaged with the latest cohort news.
join our weekly Office Hours on discord
Are you a founder that has questions or challenges that startup founders face? Maybe you would like to ask an experienced pro about topics like raising money, team building, or digital product development? Check out our new Community Office Hours with Jason W. Taylor, the President and Founder of CodeLaunch. Every Monday at 4:30 PM CT on our CodeLaunch Community Discord server.
No question will go unanswered, so you can get personalized guidance and insights from someone who has the inside scoop on all things CodeLaunch! This is a major hack to becoming a CodeLaunch winner, because you can get all the information you need to win and become the best startup competing in your round. In short, become an active member of our community and it puts you one step ahead.
Listen and Learn from our Podcast Episodes
To continue your preparation for CodeLaunch, we highly recommend tuning into our podcast episodes tailored towards cohort related topics. These episodes cover crucial subjects, helping you understand and complete homework tasks more effectively. You’ll also find episodes which include live PCL Drafts, giving you a clearer idea of what’s expected.
In several episodes, you’ll hear past finalists share their experiences, challenges, and tips for succeeding in CodeLaunch, which are packed with inspiration and practical advice for your journey. Make sure to listen to these episodes to gain additional knowledge that can give you an edge in the competition.
Get Ready to Win It All
2025 is set to be a landmark year for our entire community. With all these new opportunities, startup founders now have unprecedented access to valuable resources and personalized guidance. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of CodeLaunch 2025. Join us and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Review our event schedule and apply today!
What It Feels Like to Launch on the CodeLaunch Stage
If you’ve been wondering what it’s actually like to pitch in front of hundreds of people, with professional devs backing you and real stakes on the line, you should watch this video. You’ll hear from founders who’ve done it, see how the crowd reacts, and get a sense of what sets CodeLaunch apart from a typical startup event.
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Now startup founders, you are equipped to accelerate, raise, compete, and win CodeLaunch like never before. Good luck and cannot wait to see your video challenges!
The CodeLaunch Team