AI for Startup Success is a high-impact, hands-on program built for modern founders who want to move fast and stay lean. Over six weeks, you'll unlock the power of AI to launch your startup, grow your audience, and raise capital with confidence.
This isn’t theory. It’s a launchpad. You’ll walk away with AI-powered workflows, startup-tested tools, and a sharper founder mindset—ready to execute at the speed of now.
key topics
MARKET RESEARCH WITH AI
Uncover real-time user insights, identify whitespace, and outmaneuver competitors—before you build.
NO-CODE PRODUCT BUILDING
Go from idea to MVP using AI prototyping and app-generation tools—no coding, no engineering team required.
AI FOR ORGANIC GROWTH
Scale your brand voice, content, and presence with AI-powered writing, video, and voice tools.
SCALABLE OUTREACH & SALES
Automate prospecting, personalize outreach, and scale founder-led sales—powered by AI workflows.
INVESTOR PITCHING & DESIGN
Craft pitch decks, visuals, and messaging with AI. Practice delivery and handle tough Q&A using simulation tools.
AI-ASSISTED FUNDRAISING
Match with ideal investors, track engagement, and run smart fundraising campaigns using AI-driven platforms.
STARTS: May 1st
LENGTH: 7 Weeks
FORMAT: Self-paced + Live Office Hours
OFFICE HOURS: Thursday 6-7:30 ET
OFFERED: Once a year
CAPSTONE EVENT: Live streamed event
PRICE
HarvardAE Members $599
Non Members $699
Does not include transaction fees. No refunds.
Who should TAKE THIS COURSE
Early stage founders & builders
Validate faster, build MVPs smarter, and hit traction milestones without a team.
Solopreneurs & creator Founders
Build in public, grow organically, and pitch like a pro — on a solo budget.
Pre-seed and seed teams
Get one powerful AI playbook to manage product, growth, and fundraising in sync.
FEATURES
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This course provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, combining pre-recorded sessions, expert presentations, thought-provoking case studies, and interactive group discussions. Designed to deliver practical insights and actionable strategies, this immersive program equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate complex challenges and propel you toward success.
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This course emphasizes the power of peer learning through collaborative, small-group sessions. By engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders, you’ll exchange insights, tackle challenges, and refine strategies in real time. These peer group discussions foster diverse perspectives, offering fresh ideas and practical solutions to complex problems. This collaborative approach not only deepens your understanding but also builds a supportive network of like-minded professionals to help you succeed long after the program concludes.
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This course features expert guest speakers who bring real-world experience and deep industry insights to the table. By learning directly from accomplished professionals, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and achieving success. These sessions provide a unique chance to hear practical advice, ask questions, and connect with leaders who have excelled in their fields. This access to expertise not only enhances your knowledge but also inspires new strategies to apply in your own journey.
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As part of this course you’ll gain exclusive access to a dedicated learning portal, where all course materials, insights, and resources will be available for 30 days after the program concludes. This extended access allows you to revisit key learnings, dive deeper into the content, and apply what you've learned at your own pace. It’s an invaluable tool to reinforce your knowledge and ensure you maximize the impact of the course on your journey.
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Celebrate the culmination of your learning journey with an exclusive wrap party. Connect with fellow participants, network with industry professionals in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
GUEST SPEAKERS
PHILIP JOHNSTON is the Co-Founder and CEO of Starcloud (YC S24), a pioneering company building megawatt-scale data centers in space. Backed by a $21M seed round and Y Combinator, Starcloud leverages the falling costs of space launch and the abundance of solar energy in orbit to create a scalable, sustainable future for computing infrastructure.
Previously, Philip co-founded Opontia, a leading digital brand aggregator across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, which raised $42M and scaled to over $15M in revenue within a year. His background spans strategy consulting at McKinsey, venture capital in Africa, and algorithmic trading at BNP Paribas. A Harvard Kennedy School graduate and former student body president, Philip blends deep technical insight with global leadership experience.
NATHAN STEVENSON is the CEO and founder of ForwardLane, recognized as a top 100 fintech by KPMG/H20 and a leading innovator in wealthtech. With a background in quantitative finance, computer science, and applied AI, he has built ForwardLane into a key platform enabling financial professionals to deliver personalized insights.
A sought-after speaker on AI in wealth and asset management, Nathan has been featured in Forbes, Institutional Investor, Euromoney, and at events like the World Economic Forum, Yale International School of Finance, and MIT. His earlier roles include quantitative research at CQS, fixed income at BNP Paribas, and enterprise architecture at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, collaborating with NYSE and Nasdaq on major trading technology projects.
As an entrepreneur, Nathan co-founded two successful startups, including HotelsByDay, featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, and music licensing firm Songs for Film and TV.
BOWEN PAN is a startup advisor and investor. Previously, he was the VP of Product at Common Room, an AI-powered customer intelligence platform powering B2B sales and marketing teams at companies such as Atlassian, Notion and Vercel. Prior to Common Room, he was Head of Product at Stripe for Apps & Experience Platform, launched the Stripe Apps, and held leadership roles at Meta, including founding Facebook Marketplace and leading product efforts for Facebook Gaming. He also held product roles at Dropbox, and is an active angel investor and advisor across US and Australasian startups. Bowen holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business as well as Civil Engineering and Property undergraduate degrees from the University of Auckland.
PETER WALKER is the Head of Insights at Carta, where he turns data from over 45,000 startups into actionable insights for founders, investors, and operators. He leads the creation of widely recognized reports like the State of Startups, Foundational Equity, and Startup Compensation series, offering clarity on trends in fundraising, equity, and compensation. With a strong focus on data storytelling, Peter’s work enhances Carta’s thought leadership and serves as a trusted resource across the startup ecosystem.
JORIAN HOOVER is a startup fundraising strategist and has helped over 40 early-stage entrepreneurs raise more than $160M in venture capital. He writes Into the Ring, a popular newsletter for founders looking to sharpen their fundraising strategies. Previously, he led fundraising at multiple startups and helped source deals for Owl Ventures. Jorian began his career at Microsoft and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics from UNC Chapel Hill. He is a sought-after advisor and speaker dedicated to helping founders fundraise with clarity and confidence.
JOSEPH WEHBE is an AI ecosystem builder, and member of the World Economic Forum’s AI & Entrepreneurship Expert Network. He holds a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence from the Vector Institute in Toronto and Queen’s University, where Geoffrey Hinton, the “Godfather of AI,” serves as Chief Scientific Advisor. Joseph is Chief AI Ecosystem Builder at DAIMLAS, the #1 ranked AI ecosystem platform, which is part of the MIT CSAIL (Computer Science AI Lab) Alliances Startups & MIT Startup Exchange. DAIMLAS operates AI ecosystems in MA, NJ, DC, Silicon Valley, & Saudi Arabia. He’s also the VP Community for the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels.
He has held AI training for NATO in Italy, MBZUAI AI University Abu Dhabi, Dubai Future District Fund VC Fellowship, SKEMA AI Center of Excellence Paris, and many others.
His work has been featured in the World Economic Forum, U.S. Congress, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and TEDxBoston. With a focus on national AI strategy, innovation access, and ecosystem development, Joseph is a trusted voice in the global AI landscape—helping governments, enterprises, and entrepreneurs harness AI for meaningful, inclusive impact.
CHRISTINE PARKER, Co-founder of a stealth AI startup, is a seasoned executive with 25+ years of experience driving digital and AI-enabled transformation across strategy, operations, and customer success. She has led global cross-functional teams in CCO, COO, and consulting roles, delivering end-to-end solutions in tech, fintech, and EdTech/HRTech for financial services firms. Passionate about aligning innovation with business outcomes, Christine specializes in scaling operations, optimizing customer experience, and leading purpose-driven growth. She is committed to building inclusive, high-performing teams that thrive in dynamic, fast-changing environments.