For FoundersSHT 02 — FOR FOUNDERS
Start where
you are.
The Anvil meets founders at every stage — no idea required, no application to belong. Find your stage below and take the next step.
01Find your stage
Five stages. One next step each.
01
I'm exploring an idea
You don't need a deck or a company — you need exposure and people.
02
I'm validating a problem
Talk to customers before you build. The community will pressure-test your assumptions.
03
I'm building a product
Now it's about momentum: collaborators, mentors, and a bar to build against.
04
I'm preparing to pitch
Sharpen the story, rehearse under pressure, and get in front of judges who invest.
05
I'm growing an existing startup
Use the network: warm introductions to mentors, alumni, investors, and ecosystem programs.
02Straight answers
What we do — and what we connect you to.
No vague promises. Here's the honest split between what The Anvil provides directly and where we hand you to the wider ecosystem.
Direct from The Anvil
- Founder community, events, and workshops
- BoilerLaunch — our own competition, with real prizes
- Cofounder and collaborator matching
- Mentor pairing from our alumni network
- Pitch practice and honest feedback
Through partners & the ecosystem
- Investor conversations (VC partners, alumni angels)
- Accelerator referrals and application support
- Legal guidance via partner counsel
- Purdue resources: Purdue Innovates, HIVE, Burton D. Morgan
- Regional programs across Indiana and Chicago
Mentorship: Pairing founders with Purdue alumni, local founders, and Midwest investors for ongoing 1:1 guidance and warm introductions.
The Boiler: The Anvil's cohort-based, accelerator-style program for selected teams — currently in redevelopment. Details will be published when the next cohort is confirmed.
03Common questions
Asked every semester.
Is The Anvil for me?
If you're a Purdue student who wants to build — yes. Pre-idea to post-launch, technical or not. There's no application to be part of the founder community.
Does The Anvil fund startups?
Not directly. BoilerLaunch awards cash prizes, and we connect founders to investors, accelerators, and Purdue ecosystem funding — but The Anvil is not a fund and takes no equity.
Can I find a cofounder here?
That's one of the most common outcomes. Community nights and the Pivot Challenge are built for meeting collaborators; tell us what you're looking for and we'll point you to the right room.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Programs and events are free for Purdue students.
What should I do first?
Come to the next event. If you want a head start, email us what you're working on and we'll tell you exactly which program fits.
Something else? TheAnvil@purdue.edu — a real person reads it.