The Hatchery: An Entrepreneurial Bootcamp

Transform a promising startup idea into a viable, fundable business venture. Modeled after the long-standing and successful “The Hatchery” course at Washington University’s Olin Business School, this immersive bootcamp equips aspiring entrepreneurs with a proven framework—now enhanced with cutting-edge AI tools—to quickly validate ideas, build compelling pitches, and accelerate toward launch.

Course Snapshot

• Rapidly validate your business idea and analyze market demand using advanced AI platforms
• Gain a practical understanding of startup finance, legal considerations, and business model fundamentals
• Learn to integrate AI ethically and effectively into your venture’s strategy and operations
• Develop a competition-ready, investor-facing pitch using AI-enhanced storytelling and presentation tools
• Expand your network through direct interaction with experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals

Key Benefits

• Walk away with a polished pitch deck tailored for competitions, investors, or bank presentations
• Access real-time feedback from a panel of professionals and peers
• Gain hands-on experience using top AI tools for market research, customer validation, and pitch development
• Build entrepreneurial mindset and fluency in startup terminology and strategy
• Receive a curated list of funding sources, startup competitions, and practical tools to support your next steps

Instructor: Doug Villhard

• Successfully exited entrepreneur
• Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship and Academic Director for Entrepreneurship at the WashU Olin Business School.
• Connect with Doug on LinkedIn
• Doug has taught this workshop to over 1,000 entrepreneurially-minded students across the world.
• Ask Doug any questions at dvillhard@wustl.edu

Location & Modality

• Location: Saint Louis
• Date: March 27 - 28, 2026
• Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM CST
• Format: In-Person
• Tuition: $1,995.00

Questions & Discounts

• Ask Doug any questions at dvillhard@wustl.edu that you have about the workshop or scholarship / financial aid questions.
• Significant discounts are available for WashU alumni, employees, veterans, and those heavily involved in the St. Louis entrepreneurial ecosystem

Register