An 8-10 week founder selection process where builders prove market demand, demonstrate execution, and earn the opportunity to lead a new company.
Builders remain employed during The Proving Ground.
Participants commit approximately 15-20 hours per week over 8-10 weeks.
We are testing execution, prioritization, and learning velocity — not availability.
A small group of builders is selected to participate in each cohort.
Builders receive a market opportunity, coaching, and access to Demand House resources.
Builders conduct customer discovery, test positioning, validate problems, and generate demand.
Customer conversations are expected across multiple geographic markets, not just Utah.
Evidence may include:
Toward the end of the process, builders develop:
The goal is to evaluate founder potential, not just sales ability.
The winning builder becomes Founder & CEO of the new venture with support from Demand House.
Builders who are not selected are compensated for their contribution and participation in the process.
Outstanding participants may also be considered for future opportunities within the Demand House ecosystem.
Can this builder create customer pull?
Can this builder learn, adapt, lead, and make strong strategic decisions?
Would we want to build multiple companies together over time?
Demand House is intentionally built around a local builder community in Silicon Slopes.
Builders should be located within commuting distance of northern Utah County and southern Salt Lake County and available for regular in-person sessions throughout The Proving Ground.
Customer discovery and market validation are expected to extend beyond Utah.
We believe founder development, trust, and collaboration happen faster face-to-face.
Reward confidence.
Reward truth.
Demand is the teacher.
Reality is the mirror.
The builder grows by learning from both.
Most people wait for permission. The Proving Ground is designed for builders willing to earn the opportunity.
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