Traditional early-stage investing is too risky.
De-risk your early-stage ventures before committing significant capital with the Sequence Start Program.
De-risk your early-stage ventures before committing significant capital with the Sequence Start Program.
De-risk your early-stage ventures before committing significant capital with the Sequence Start Program.
symptoms
Most early-stage investments feel like a gamble.
If these symptoms sound familiar, your startup investment might be a strong candidate for The Sequence Start Program.
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
"That's a big assumption."
Are there too many untested assumptions? Every dollar spent without hard data is a risk. McKinsey estimates that 70% of corporate innovation efforts fail, resulting in billions lost annually.
"It's hard to track progress."
"I'm exploring my options."
"They haven't pivoted yet."
"The team needs support."
The Fix
A tailored program for rapid investment clarity.
After 4x unicorn journeys and a decade of venture building, Swedish entrepeneur Marcus Strömberg created The Sequence Start Program.
"I’ve assembled a team of elite entrepreneurs and experts to help bold ideas and strong teams succeed, help weak ideas and teams fail fast, and make sure capital flows where it creates the most value."
Marcus Strömberg
Founder of Vectorscape
The program
Build a strong business foundation. Fast.
Build a strong business foundation. Fast.
Build a strong business foundation. Fast.
The Sequence Start Program is designed to help early-stage investors, founders, and intrapeneurs achieve investment clarity in eight weeks.
Outcomes & deliverables
Inform investments
Help product-market fit
Receive a prototype
Find market gaps
Upskill teams
Outcomes & deliverables
Inform investments
Help product-market fit
Receive a prototype
Find market gaps
Upskill teams
Outcomes & deliverables
Inform investments
Help product-market fit
Receive a prototype
Find market gaps
Upskill teams
How it works
Eight weeks. Five phases.
Eight weeks. Five phases.
Our team of experts work directly with product owners to build and test a prototype, investigate real customer behavior, and validate key assumptions.
Our experts work hands-on with founders and product owners to build and test a prototype, investigate real customer behavior, and validate every key assumption—while giving investors clarity on their early-stage investment.
Before starting (1 – 3 weeks)
After an investor strategy call to confirm if The Sequence Start Program is right for your venture, preparations begin.
Preparations
Paperwork (includes agreement, NDA, and invoice)
Gathering materials from the startup team (1 – 2 hours)
Survey to understand current situation
Before starting (1 – 3 weeks)
After an investor strategy call to confirm if The Sequence Start Program is right for your venture, preparations begin.
Preparations
Paperwork (includes agreement, NDA, and invoice)
Gathering materials from the startup team (1 – 2 hours)
Survey to understand current situation
Before starting (1 – 3 weeks)
After an investor strategy call to confirm if The Sequence Start Program is right for your venture, preparations begin.
Preparations
Paperwork (includes agreement, NDA, and invoice)
Gathering materials from the startup team (1 – 2 hours)
Survey to understand current situation
Week 1: Align
First, we’ll align on your venture’s vision, define success criteria, and map out assumptions that need testing.
Goals
Define the sprint plan with clear roles and a shared timeline
Map key assumptions to test during the sprint
Agree on what success looks like and how we’ll measure it
Week 1: Align
First, we’ll align on your venture’s vision, define success criteria, and map out assumptions that need testing.
Goals
Define the sprint plan with clear roles and a shared timeline
Map key assumptions to test during the sprint
Agree on what success looks like and how we’ll measure it
Week 1: Align
First, we’ll align on your venture’s vision, define success criteria, and map out assumptions that need testing.
Goals
Define the sprint plan with clear roles and a shared timeline
Map key assumptions to test during the sprint
Agree on what success looks like and how we’ll measure it
Week 2 – 3: Understand
Next, we’ll validate the core problem and market fit by conducting user interviews, market analysis, and competitor research.
Goals
Uncover real user needs with direct insight and pattern analysis
Identify the most promising opportunity areas worth pursuing
Create an informed proto-persona to guide solution design
Week 2 – 3: Understand
Next, we’ll validate the core problem and market fit by conducting user interviews, market analysis, and competitor research.
Goals
Uncover real user needs with direct insight and pattern analysis
Identify the most promising opportunity areas worth pursuing
Create an informed proto-persona to guide solution design
Week 2 – 3: Understand
Next, we’ll validate the core problem and market fit by conducting user interviews, market analysis, and competitor research.
Goals
Uncover real user needs with direct insight and pattern analysis
Identify the most promising opportunity areas worth pursuing
Create an informed proto-persona to guide solution design
Week 4 – 5: Design
After that, we’ll design and develop a high-fidelity prototype to demonstrate your solution.
Goals
Shape a compelling concept with a clear value proposition
Align on what to prototype and why, based on success criteria
Prioritize features by value and feasibility to guide design
Week 4 – 5: Design
After that, we’ll design and develop a high-fidelity prototype to demonstrate your solution.
Goals
Shape a compelling concept with a clear value proposition
Align on what to prototype and why, based on success criteria
Prioritize features by value and feasibility to guide design
Week 4 – 5: Design
After that, we’ll design and develop a high-fidelity prototype to demonstrate your solution.
Goals
Shape a compelling concept with a clear value proposition
Align on what to prototype and why, based on success criteria
Prioritize features by value and feasibility to guide design
Week 6 – 7: Test
These weeks are focused on testing your prototype with real users to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Goals
Build and share an interactive prototype with real users
Run structured user tests to validate desirability and usability
Track insights and metrics to inform final recommendations
Week 6 – 7: Test
These weeks are focused on testing your prototype with real users to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Goals
Build and share an interactive prototype with real users
Run structured user tests to validate desirability and usability
Track insights and metrics to inform final recommendations
Week 6 – 7: Test
These weeks are focused on testing your prototype with real users to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Goals
Build and share an interactive prototype with real users
Run structured user tests to validate desirability and usability
Track insights and metrics to inform final recommendations
Week 8: Recommend
To conclude, we’ll synthesize the results and provide a final recommendation: Go, Pivot, or No-Go.
Goals
Summarize what’s validated and where uncertainty remains
Deliver a go/pivot/no-go recommendation for next steps
Estimate potential ROI and reflect on team progress
Week 8: Recommend
To conclude, we’ll synthesize the results and provide a final recommendation: Go, Pivot, or No-Go.
Goals
Summarize what’s validated and where uncertainty remains
Deliver a go/pivot/no-go recommendation for next steps
Estimate potential ROI and reflect on team progress
Week 8: Recommend
To conclude, we’ll synthesize the results and provide a final recommendation: Go, Pivot, or No-Go.
Goals
Summarize what’s validated and where uncertainty remains
Deliver a go/pivot/no-go recommendation for next steps
Estimate potential ROI and reflect on team progress
What makes us different
The traditional path is slow. Sequence Start isn't.
The traditional path is slow. Sequence Start isn't.
The traditional path is slow. Sequence Start isn't.
If startups find product-market fit, it usually takes 18–36 months of burn. The Sequence Start Program builds a strong foundation for product-market fit in just eight weeks.
No equity dilution
Our unique, structured approach is what gives you valuable results in 8 weeks with all the thoroughness of a year-long process.
Get answers fast
Our unique, structured approach is what gives you valuable results in 8 weeks with all the thoroughness of a year-long process.
One client at a time
Sequence Start is an exclusive service. This means we only work with one client at a time and you get the full attention of our expert team.
Track progress
Every step of Sequence Start is measured and tracked in order to give you data-backed clarity.
Bespoke service
Sequence Start doesn't only enhance the startup team's potential. It provides guidance to investors through deliverables such as the Strategic funding deck and Startup validation report.
No equity dilution
Our unique, structured approach is what gives you valuable results in 8 weeks with all the thoroughness of a year-long process.
Get answers fast
Our unique, structured approach is what gives you valuable results in 8 weeks with all the thoroughness of a year-long process.
One client at a time
Sequence Start is an exclusive service. This means we only work with one client at a time and you get the full attention of our expert team.
Track progress
Every step of Sequence Start is measured and tracked in order to give you data-backed clarity.
Bespoke service
Sequence Start doesn't only enhance the startup team's potential. It provides guidance to investors through deliverables such as the Strategic funding deck and Startup validation report.
No equity dilution
Our unique, structured approach is what gives you valuable results in 8 weeks with all the thoroughness of a year-long process.
Get answers fast
Our unique, structured approach is what gives you valuable results in 8 weeks with all the thoroughness of a year-long process.
One client at a time
Sequence Start is an exclusive service. This means we only work with one client at a time and you get the full attention of our expert team.
Track progress
Every step of Sequence Start is measured and tracked in order to give you data-backed clarity.
Bespoke service
Sequence Start doesn't only enhance the startup team's potential. It provides guidance to investors through deliverables such as the Strategic funding deck and Startup validation report.
What it costs
Upfront pricing. Zero equity.
Upfront pricing. Zero equity.
Upfront pricing. Zero equity.
Start with the Investor Strategy Call to analyze your investment and evaluate whether The Sequence Start Program is right for you.
Investor Strategy Call
Explore your options and take the first step toward Sequence Start.
€2,500*
excl. VAT
60 – 120 min. w/ Marcus Strömberg
Analysis of current investment
Strategic assessment for program
*Deductible from total cost if you proceed with the full program.
Sequence Start Program
The eight-week program to validate a startup venture in the market.
€1,000,000
excl. VAT
Strategic funding deck
Startup validation report
Figma prototype
Opportunity map
Team benchmarking report
Custom Sequence Start
For an urgent start date, unique timeline, or extended scope.
€2,000,000+
excl. VAT
Start instantly
Optional: 6-week sprint (requires immediate team + resource access)
Full NDA
Investor Strategy Call
Explore your options and take the first step toward Sequence Start.
€2,500*
excl. VAT
60 – 120 min. w/ Marcus Strömberg
Analysis of current investment
Strategic assessment for program
*Deductible from total cost if you proceed with the full program.
Sequence Start Program
The eight-week program to validate a startup venture in the market.
€1,000,000
excl. VAT
Strategic funding deck
Startup validation report
Figma prototype
Opportunity map
Team benchmarking report
Custom Sequence Start
For an urgent start date, unique timeline, or extended scope.
€2,000,000+
excl. VAT
Start instantly
Optional: 6-week sprint (requires immediate team + resource access)
Full NDA
Investor Strategy Call
Explore your options and take the first step toward Sequence Start.
€2,500*
excl. VAT
60 – 120 min. w/ Marcus Strömberg
Analysis of current investment
Strategic assessment for program
*Deductible from total cost if you proceed with the full program.
Sequence Start Program
The eight-week program to validate a startup venture in the market.
€1,000,000
excl. VAT
Strategic funding deck
Startup validation report
Figma prototype
Opportunity map
Team benchmarking report
Custom Sequence Start
For an urgent start date, unique timeline, or extended scope.
€2,000,000+
excl. VAT
Start instantly
Optional: 6-week sprint (requires immediate team + resource access)
Full NDA
Take your first step toward The Sequence Start Program.
Take your first step toward The Sequence Start Program.
Let's kick off our strategic partnership with an Investor Strategy Call (€2,500). During the two-hour session, we'll analyze your current situation and determine if The Sequence Start Program is right for you.
Let's kick off our strategic partnership with an Investor Strategy Call (€2,500). During the two-hour session, we'll analyze your current situation and determine if The Sequence Start Program is right for you.
the Sequence Start Program is an EIGHT-week journey Starting at €1m.
FAQ
Questions you might be wondering.
Questions you might be wondering.
Questions you might be wondering.
Here are some of the most common questions about The Sequence Start Program from Vectorscape.
Why is this priced at €1M? That’s more than many pre-seed rounds.
Most startups burn €1M – €2M over 18 – 36 months just to discover if product-market fit exists. The Sequence Start Program compresses that journey into 8 weeks to save investors time, burn, and opportunity cost. Just 18 months of saved burn at €150k/month equals €2.7M saved—more than 2.5x ROI on the program cost.
What if the result is a No-Go? I still pay €1M.
If a No-Go saves you from spending €2.5M+, plus the time and opportunity cost of a failing venture, that’s a massive win. Most investors lose far more by holding on too long. With the Sequence Start Program, a No-Go is a successful outcome. It means you stopped the burn before it spiraled. This is also why payment is upfront. It ensures we stay objective and never shy away from presenting a No-Go decision.
This is too fast. Can you really validate in 8 weeks?
We don’t claim to build the entire business in 8 weeks. We validate its viability, feasibility, and desirability to deliver the evidence that investors and boards need to make a decision. The 5-step sprint (Align, Understand, Design, Test, Recommend) is battle-tested to compress what would usually take a year into actionable insights.
This feels like consulting repackaged. What makes this a "program"?
Consultants deliver advice. We give you validated evidence, working prototypes, team assessments, and investor-ready materials in a structured system built for decision-making. It’s not coaching; it’s a sprint with a defined timeline, deliverables, and outcomes. Think of the Sequence Start program like a military exercise for venture readiness where we participate on the frontlines with the startup team.
Why would I pay for this when I already fund accelerators and incubators?
Accelerators spread their attention across hundreds of startups, often using a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The Sequence Start Program is bespoke. We work with one client at a time, co-creating and testing their idea deeply using metrics, not generic pitch coaching. You keep 100% equity, and walk away with a clickable prototype, validation report, and Go/No-Go deck designed for your board or next investment committee.
What happens if you tell me it’s a No-Go but I believe in the idea anyway?
You can still move forward, of course. But now you’ll do so with your eyes open to the risks, with suggestions on improvement areas, and knowledge of any possible market gaps that might exist. In fact, many pivots are born from structured No-Go findings. One option is that we can help reposition or re-test whether your new direction is the best path. Our job is to bring the truth forward, not make the decision for you.
How do I know your validation actually predicts success?
Validation doesn’t guarantee success. It reduces false positives. Our methodology is built on research-backed sources. For instance, First Round Capital’s report shows 3x better performance for ventures that validated their product with real users, and CB Insights says 42% of startups fail from lack of market need. Our job is to surface those market signals before capital gets burned.
I don’t want to risk signaling to the market that I don’t believe in my own portfolio. Could using this raise red flags?
Quite the opposite. Putting your startup through the Sequence Start Program signals professional discipline and a commitment to ROI, not doubt. It shows LPs and partners that you’re applying capital responsibly and demand evidence before scaling.
Can I use this for internal corporate projects or just startups?
Both. The Sequence Start Program is equally effective for intrapreneurial ventures, R&D spinouts, or business model innovation. We’ve designed it with corporate gatekeeping and internal politics in mind, giving you an external proof report to help align stakeholders.
Why is this priced at €1M? That’s more than many pre-seed rounds.
Most startups burn €1M – €2M over 18 – 36 months just to discover if product-market fit exists. The Sequence Start Program compresses that journey into 8 weeks to save investors time, burn, and opportunity cost. Just 18 months of saved burn at €150k/month equals €2.7M saved—more than 2.5x ROI on the program cost.
What if the result is a No-Go? I still pay €1M.
If a No-Go saves you from spending €2.5M+, plus the time and opportunity cost of a failing venture, that’s a massive win. Most investors lose far more by holding on too long. With the Sequence Start Program, a No-Go is a successful outcome. It means you stopped the burn before it spiraled. This is also why payment is upfront. It ensures we stay objective and never shy away from presenting a No-Go decision.
This is too fast. Can you really validate in 8 weeks?
We don’t claim to build the entire business in 8 weeks. We validate its viability, feasibility, and desirability to deliver the evidence that investors and boards need to make a decision. The 5-step sprint (Align, Understand, Design, Test, Recommend) is battle-tested to compress what would usually take a year into actionable insights.
This feels like consulting repackaged. What makes this a "program"?
Consultants deliver advice. We give you validated evidence, working prototypes, team assessments, and investor-ready materials in a structured system built for decision-making. It’s not coaching; it’s a sprint with a defined timeline, deliverables, and outcomes. Think of the Sequence Start program like a military exercise for venture readiness where we participate on the frontlines with the startup team.
Why would I pay for this when I already fund accelerators and incubators?
Accelerators spread their attention across hundreds of startups, often using a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The Sequence Start Program is bespoke. We work with one client at a time, co-creating and testing their idea deeply using metrics, not generic pitch coaching. You keep 100% equity, and walk away with a clickable prototype, validation report, and Go/No-Go deck designed for your board or next investment committee.
What happens if you tell me it’s a No-Go but I believe in the idea anyway?
You can still move forward, of course. But now you’ll do so with your eyes open to the risks, with suggestions on improvement areas, and knowledge of any possible market gaps that might exist. In fact, many pivots are born from structured No-Go findings. One option is that we can help reposition or re-test whether your new direction is the best path. Our job is to bring the truth forward, not make the decision for you.
How do I know your validation actually predicts success?
Validation doesn’t guarantee success. It reduces false positives. Our methodology is built on research-backed sources. For instance, First Round Capital’s report shows 3x better performance for ventures that validated their product with real users, and CB Insights says 42% of startups fail from lack of market need. Our job is to surface those market signals before capital gets burned.
I don’t want to risk signaling to the market that I don’t believe in my own portfolio. Could using this raise red flags?
Quite the opposite. Putting your startup through the Sequence Start Program signals professional discipline and a commitment to ROI, not doubt. It shows LPs and partners that you’re applying capital responsibly and demand evidence before scaling.
Can I use this for internal corporate projects or just startups?
Both. The Sequence Start Program is equally effective for intrapreneurial ventures, R&D spinouts, or business model innovation. We’ve designed it with corporate gatekeeping and internal politics in mind, giving you an external proof report to help align stakeholders.
Why is this priced at €1M? That’s more than many pre-seed rounds.
Most startups burn €1M – €2M over 18 – 36 months just to discover if product-market fit exists. The Sequence Start Program compresses that journey into 8 weeks to save investors time, burn, and opportunity cost. Just 18 months of saved burn at €150k/month equals €2.7M saved—more than 2.5x ROI on the program cost.
What if the result is a No-Go? I still pay €1M.
If a No-Go saves you from spending €2.5M+, plus the time and opportunity cost of a failing venture, that’s a massive win. Most investors lose far more by holding on too long. With the Sequence Start Program, a No-Go is a successful outcome. It means you stopped the burn before it spiraled. This is also why payment is upfront. It ensures we stay objective and never shy away from presenting a No-Go decision.
This is too fast. Can you really validate in 8 weeks?
We don’t claim to build the entire business in 8 weeks. We validate its viability, feasibility, and desirability to deliver the evidence that investors and boards need to make a decision. The 5-step sprint (Align, Understand, Design, Test, Recommend) is battle-tested to compress what would usually take a year into actionable insights.
This feels like consulting repackaged. What makes this a "program"?
Consultants deliver advice. We give you validated evidence, working prototypes, team assessments, and investor-ready materials in a structured system built for decision-making. It’s not coaching; it’s a sprint with a defined timeline, deliverables, and outcomes. Think of the Sequence Start program like a military exercise for venture readiness where we participate on the frontlines with the startup team.
Why would I pay for this when I already fund accelerators and incubators?
Accelerators spread their attention across hundreds of startups, often using a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The Sequence Start Program is bespoke. We work with one client at a time, co-creating and testing their idea deeply using metrics, not generic pitch coaching. You keep 100% equity, and walk away with a clickable prototype, validation report, and Go/No-Go deck designed for your board or next investment committee.
What happens if you tell me it’s a No-Go but I believe in the idea anyway?
You can still move forward, of course. But now you’ll do so with your eyes open to the risks, with suggestions on improvement areas, and knowledge of any possible market gaps that might exist. In fact, many pivots are born from structured No-Go findings. One option is that we can help reposition or re-test whether your new direction is the best path. Our job is to bring the truth forward, not make the decision for you.
How do I know your validation actually predicts success?
Validation doesn’t guarantee success. It reduces false positives. Our methodology is built on research-backed sources. For instance, First Round Capital’s report shows 3x better performance for ventures that validated their product with real users, and CB Insights says 42% of startups fail from lack of market need. Our job is to surface those market signals before capital gets burned.
I don’t want to risk signaling to the market that I don’t believe in my own portfolio. Could using this raise red flags?
Quite the opposite. Putting your startup through the Sequence Start Program signals professional discipline and a commitment to ROI, not doubt. It shows LPs and partners that you’re applying capital responsibly and demand evidence before scaling.
Can I use this for internal corporate projects or just startups?
Both. The Sequence Start Program is equally effective for intrapreneurial ventures, R&D spinouts, or business model innovation. We’ve designed it with corporate gatekeeping and internal politics in mind, giving you an external proof report to help align stakeholders.