Question 1

What is Forja?

Accepted Answer

Forja is the world's first execution-only startup competition for the Home Improvement industry. Unlike pitch competitions or award shows, contestants must design, build, and release real products to real paying customers over 16 competitive weeks. It is built for founders who prove their value by shipping, not presenting.

Question 2

How is Forja different from pitch competitions and accelerators?

Accepted Answer

Pitch competitions judge slide decks and presentations. Accelerators provide mentorship and resources over months with equity taken upfront. Forja does neither. Contestants are judged solely on what they ship to real paying customers. There are no pitch rounds, no demo days, and no hypothetical business plans. When selecting who advances and who wins, judges assess commercial viability against a minimum standard: $1,500 USD in verified revenue from at least 2 independent paying customers, with delivery proof and authenticated testimonials. Think of it as the difference between talking about building a house and actually building one.

Question 3

What does 'execution-only' mean?

Accepted Answer

Execution-only means contestants are judged purely on what they build and deliver to real paying customers, not on pitches, business plans, projections, or credentials. A paying customer is defined as an independent third party (no family, friends, affiliates, or co-founders) who pays a real invoiced amount. When selecting who advances and who wins, judges assess commercial viability against a minimum standard of $1,500 USD in verified revenue from at least 2 independent paying customers, with delivery proof and an authenticated testimonial for each transaction. Cash transactions without invoices are not accepted. No amount of fundraising history, academic background, or presentation skill can substitute for shipping a real product.

Question 4

Is Forja a pitch competition?

Accepted Answer

No. Forja is the opposite of a pitch competition. There are no slide decks, no demo days, and no investor panels judging your presentation skills. Forja is an execution-only competition where the only thing that matters is what you build and deliver to real paying customers. You cannot win Forja with a business plan. You can only win by shipping products that demonstrate real market traction — judges assess commercial viability against a minimum of $1,500 USD in verified revenue from at least 2 independent paying customers, with delivery proof and authenticated testimonials.

Question 5

How does Forja compare to Y Combinator, Techstars, or other accelerators?

Accepted Answer

Accelerators like Y Combinator and Techstars provide mentorship, resources, and a network in exchange for equity, typically 7% for YC and 6-10% for Techstars. Forja is fundamentally different. It is a competition, not a program. Contestants compete to win investment capital ($250,000 prize pool via SAFE agreements), are judged on execution (shipping to paying customers), and participate within a single industry: Home Improvement. Accelerators accept startups across all industries, while Forja is purpose-built for the $600B+ Home Improvement sector.

Question 6

What Home Improvement subsectors does Forja cover?

Accepted Answer

Forja covers 14 subsectors: Carpentry, Woodworking, Furniture, Soft Furnishing, Wall Finishing, Metalwork, Smart Home, Solar Systems, Plumbing/Kitchen & Bath, Roofing, Landscaping, Floor Installation, Home & Office Remodeling, and Interior Design & Fit-Out. If your startup serves the built environment or home improvement space, it likely qualifies.

Question 7

Who operates Forja?

Accepted Answer

Forja is operated by Design Glyphe LLC, a company building growth infrastructure, reputation systems, and innovation ecosystems for the Home Improvement sector. Forja is Design Glyphe's flagship competition program, designed to identify and accelerate the most execution-capable Home Improvement startups in the world. All competition rules, legal agreements, and program details are published on the Forja website at enterforja.com.

Question 8

Is Forja legitimate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Forja is operated by Design Glyphe LLC, a registered limited liability company. Entry is free. The $250,000 prize pool is real investment capital structured via SAFE agreements with full legal documentation. Competition rules, terms and conditions, and the privacy policy are publicly available at enterforja.com before registration opens. There is no entry fee, no hidden cost, and no requirement to share revenue or equity before winning.

Question 9

What is the global Home Improvement sector and why does Forja focus on it?

Accepted Answer

The global Home Improvement and Built Environment sector is a $600 billion+ industry encompassing residential and commercial construction, renovation, fit-out, and maintenance services. Despite its scale, the sector is structurally underserved by the startup and innovation ecosystem. Traditional accelerators favor software-first businesses. Pitch competitions reward presentation skill over execution. Forja exists to close this gap by giving Home Improvement founders a structured, high-stakes competition where market validation is the only measure that matters.

Question 10

How does the Forja competition work?

Accepted Answer

Forja follows the Design, Build, Release framework. Stage One is a 4-week virtual qualifier requiring about 20 hours per week, making it side-hustle friendly. The top 10% (36 startups out of 360) advance to Stage Two, a 12-week hybrid live competition requiring full-time commitment and physical relocation. A transition window sits between the stages so advancing teams can travel to the Stage Two location. Stage Two features weekly Boardroom elimination sessions. Winners are judged on a composite of Market performance (60%) and Judge evaluation (40%).

Question 11

What is the Design, Build, Release framework?

Accepted Answer

Design, Build, Release is the core framework behind every phase of Forja. In the Design phase, contestants identify a real problem and architect their solution. In the Build phase, they develop a functional product or service. In the Release phase, they deliver it to real paying customers and gather proof of value. This sequence is non-negotiable. Contestants must move through all three phases in order to be eligible for advancement.

Question 12

How long does the Forja competition last?

Accepted Answer

Forja runs across 16 competitive weeks split into a 4-week Stage One and a 12-week Stage Two, with a travel and transition window between them. Registration opens September 30, 2026. The competition kicks off December 1, 2026. Stage Two runs January 2027 through March 2027.

Question 13

Is Stage One fully virtual?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stage One is 100% virtual and globally distributed. You can participate from anywhere in the world. The 4-week qualifier is designed to be side-hustle friendly, requiring approximately 20 hours per week. You do not need to travel or relocate for Stage One.

Question 14

What happens during the transition window between Stage One and Stage Two?

Accepted Answer

The transition window runs from December 30, 2026 to January 5, 2027. During this period, the top 36 advancing startups are formally notified and confirmed. Waitlisted startups (ranks 37 through 44) are put on standby. Advancing teams use this window to prepare for full-time competition, arrange travel, and relocate to the Stage Two host location before the second stage begins.

Question 15

What is the Integrity Quotient (IQ) and why does it matter in Forja?

Accepted Answer

The Integrity Quotient (IQ) is a five-dimension ethical scoring framework used across the Design Glyphe ecosystem. It measures Truthful Marketing, Quality Delivery, Transparent Pricing, Ethical Sourcing, and Customer Communication. Each dimension is scored 1 to 10. A minimum IQ score of 7.0 is required to compete in Forja. A minimum of 7.5 is required to qualify for investment capital. The IQ framework ensures that Forja elevates businesses built on integrity, not just speed.

Question 16

Is there a fixed weekly schedule during Forja?

Accepted Answer

Stage One is self-paced within the 4-week window, requiring approximately 20 hours per week. Contestants manage their own time as long as they meet Stage One milestones. Stage Two operates on a structured weekly rhythm: execution sprints to build and deliver to paying customers, mid-week progress check-ins, mentorship sessions, and a Boardroom session every week where performance is evaluated and underperforming startups may be eliminated.

Question 17

Who is eligible to compete in Forja?

Accepted Answer

Solo founders or teams of up to three members working in the Home Improvement sector across 14 subsectors. The competition is globally distributed and accepts entrants worldwide. You must be building a real product or service that serves the Home Improvement industry, whether that is carpentry, smart home technology, interior design, solar systems, or any of the other qualifying subsectors.

Question 18

Do I need a team to enter Forja?

Accepted Answer

No. Solo founders are welcome and can compete on equal footing. If you do have a team, the maximum size is three members. The competition evaluates what you ship, not how many people are on your team.

Question 19

Can I compete in Forja while working a full-time job?

Accepted Answer

Stage One is designed to be side-hustle friendly, requiring approximately 20 hours per week over 4 weeks. You can keep your day job during Stage One. However, if you advance to Stage Two, you must commit full-time and relocate physically to the competition location for 12 weeks.

Question 20

What qualifies as a 'paying customer' in Forja?

Accepted Answer

A paying customer must be an independent third party (not a friend, family member, affiliate, co-founder, or business associate). When judges and Forja leadership evaluate who advances and who wins, they assess commercial viability against a minimum standard: $1,500 USD in verified revenue from at least 2 independent paying customers — this can be met as one transaction of $1,500+, multiple transactions totalling $1,500+ (e.g., two $750 sales of a physical product), or part payment on a larger $15K–$25K project. Each transaction must be documented with an invoice (cash transactions without invoices are not accepted) and accompanied by delivery proof and an authenticated customer testimonial. Connected-party transactions are disqualified regardless of amount. This is not a requirement to apply — it is the threshold that ensures winner selection is based on genuine market traction, not manufactured demand.

Question 21

Are there age restrictions for Forja applicants?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no minimum or maximum age to compete in Forja. You must be legally capable of entering into a contract in your country of residence. If you are a minor, parental or guardian consent may be required under your local laws.

Question 22

Can I enter Forja if my startup is already funded or revenue-generating?

Accepted Answer

Forja is for early-stage startups only. Businesses generating more than $36,000 USD annually or employing more than 5 people are explicitly excluded from competition. If you have raised a small pre-seed round but are still early-stage, you may still qualify provided you are within the revenue and team size caps. Established businesses are not eligible.

Question 23

Can I enter Forja with just an idea and no product yet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Startups at the Design Stage are eligible. The Design Stage means you have identified a real problem, conducted customer research, and have a clear hypothesis for your solution. You do not need a finished product, working prototype, or prior customers to apply. To advance through Stage One, you will need to show meaningful progress through the Build and Release phases during the competition.

Question 24

My startup is registered outside the US. Can I still compete?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Forja is globally distributed. Stage One is 100% virtual and accessible from any country. There is no geographic restriction on entry. Revenue and customer minimums are denominated in US Dollars regardless of where your startup operates. Stage Two requires physical relocation to the host location, which will be announced before Stage One ends.

Question 25

What is the revenue and size cap to qualify for Forja?

Accepted Answer

Startups generating more than $36,000 USD annually or employing more than 5 people are ineligible. Forja is a launchpad designed for early-stage founders who are still building toward product-market fit. It is not an award or showcase for established businesses.

Question 26

When does Forja registration open?

Accepted Answer

Registration opens September 30, 2026. The competition kicks off December 1, 2026. Early registration is recommended as spots are limited to a maximum of 360 startups in Stage One.

Question 27

Is there an entry fee to apply for Forja?

Accepted Answer

Entry to Forja is free. There is no application fee to participate in Stage One of the competition. Forja is designed to remove financial barriers so the best founders can compete regardless of their current resources.

Question 28

How many startups are accepted into Stage One?

Accepted Answer

A maximum of 360 startups will be accepted into Stage One. From that pool, the top 10% (36 startups) advance to Stage Two. Ranks 37 through 44 are placed on a waitlist as potential replacements if any of the top 36 are unable to continue.

Question 29

What information is needed to apply for Forja?

Accepted Answer

Your application will require your business name and Home Improvement subsector, your current startup stage (Design, Build, or Release), team composition and size, a clear description of the problem you are solving, your proposed solution, and any existing traction such as customers, revenue, or working prototypes. You do not need financial statements, a complete business plan, or investor-ready materials to apply.

Question 30

Can I reapply to Forja if my application is not accepted?

Accepted Answer

Future Forja competition cycles have not yet been announced. If your application is not accepted for the current cohort, you will be notified by the Forja review team. Reapplication opportunities for future seasons will be published when additional cohorts are announced. We encourage founders who are not selected to continue building and to apply again when future registration opens.

Question 31

What happens after I submit my Forja application?

Accepted Answer

You will receive a confirmation email immediately after submitting. Applications are reviewed by the Forja team against the eligibility and stage criteria. Accepted applicants are notified by email and given access to their contestant dashboard to complete onboarding. Applicants who are not selected are also notified. Review timelines will be communicated after registration opens.

Question 32

Can I update my application after submitting?

Accepted Answer

Application editing policies will be detailed in the official competition rules, published before registration opens. In general, material changes to your business description or team composition after submission may not be permitted during the review period. Contact the Forja team directly if you need to make a correction.

Question 33

How much is the Forja prize pool?

Accepted Answer

The total prize pool is $250,000 in investment capital. 1st place receives $150,000, 2nd place receives $65,000, and 3rd place receives $35,000. This is investment capital, not a cash gift. It is structured to help winners scale their startups post-competition.

Question 34

How is the Forja investment structured?

Accepted Answer

Investment is structured via SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) or convertible note. Equity is tiered by placement — 1st place: 10–12%, 2nd place: 13–15%, 3rd place: 15–18% — with 4-year vesting and a 1-year cliff for all three winners. This structure aligns incentives between the winners and the competition organizers, ensuring long-term commitment to building real businesses.

Question 35

What is the prize disbursement schedule?

Accepted Answer

Prize money follows a 40/30/30 tranche schedule. Winners receive 40% upon completion of the competition, 30% at a defined milestone, and the final 30% at a later milestone. This staged approach ensures capital is deployed as startups hit real growth targets rather than being disbursed all at once.

Question 36

What equity percentage do Forja winners give up?

Accepted Answer

Equity is tiered by placement: 1st place gives up 10–12%, 2nd place gives up 13–15%, and 3rd place gives up 15–18%. The specific percentage within each range is negotiated with the Investor Panel at the time of winning. All three winners receive a SAFE with 4-year vesting and a 1-year cliff.

Question 37

Why are equity percentages different for each placement?

Accepted Answer

The equity range for each placement is calibrated to the investment value deployed. 1st place receives $150,000 — the highest investment — so the equity range is the lowest (10–12%), reflecting the founder-friendly principle that more capital should not mean proportionally more dilution. 3rd place receives $35,000, so the equity range is higher (15–18%), consistent with early-stage investment norms for that capital level. Every winner receives fair terms relative to what was invested. This tiered structure also means the most successful teams — those who earned the top prize — retain the most founder equity.

Question 38

Is the Forja prize money taxable?

Accepted Answer

Forja cannot provide tax or legal advice. Winners are responsible for understanding and meeting all tax obligations in their country of residence and operation. Competition prize income and investment capital may be subject to different tax treatments depending on your jurisdiction. Consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before the competition concludes.

Question 39

Can I decline the SAFE investment and keep only the prize cash?

Accepted Answer

The Forja prize structure is designed as an investment package, not a simple cash award. The SAFE is central to the program's mission of creating long-term alignment with winning founders. Terms around optionality, if any, will be detailed in the official winners' agreements, which will be published before registration opens. Contact the Forja team with specific questions.

Question 40

How are Forja contestants judged?

Accepted Answer

Winners are determined by a composite score: 60% Market performance (real revenue, customer acquisition, delivery quality) and 40% Judge evaluation (product quality, innovation, scalability, business viability). This ensures that market validation carries the most weight, while expert judgment provides additional perspective on long-term potential.

Question 41

What is the 60/40 composite score?

Accepted Answer

The advancement composite weights Market performance at 60% and Judge evaluation at 40%. Market performance includes real revenue generated, number of paying customers acquired, delivery proof, and customer testimonials. Judge evaluation covers product quality, innovation, scalability, and overall business viability. This balance rewards founders who ship and sell, while still recognizing strong strategic thinking.

Question 42

What is the Boardroom?

Accepted Answer

The Boardroom is the Stage Two elimination session, modeled on a reality competition format. Each week during Stage Two, contestants face a Boardroom session where their progress, execution quality, and market results are evaluated. Underperforming startups are eliminated. The Boardroom is where accountability meets competition.

Question 43

Is there a waitlist if I don't make the top 36?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Startups ranked 37 through 44 after Stage One are placed on a waitlist. If any of the top 36 startups are unable to continue to Stage Two, waitlisted startups are called up in rank order as replacements.

Question 44

Who are the Forja judges?

Accepted Answer

The judging panel for Forja Season One is currently being assembled. Judges will include practitioners from the Home Improvement industry, startup investors, and built environment experts. The complete panel will be announced publicly before the competition begins. Judging decisions follow a structured evaluation rubric, not subjective preference.

Question 45

How does Forja prevent conflicts of interest among judges?

Accepted Answer

Judges who have a direct commercial, financial, or personal relationship with any contestant are required to recuse themselves from evaluating that contestant. The Forja governance structure includes controls designed to maintain adjudication integrity throughout the competition. Any conflict of interest must be disclosed to the Competition Director before evaluation begins.

Question 46

What happens to startups eliminated from Stage Two?

Accepted Answer

Eliminated startups retain full ownership of all intellectual property and work created during the competition. High-performing contestants who do not finish in the top three may still be eligible for broader Design Glyphe ecosystem benefits, including potential listing on the Integrity Pilot platform, exhibition at IIDE, and access to B2B growth services. Strong performers who do not win are not forgotten.

Question 47

What does Stage Two look like?

Accepted Answer

Stage Two is a 12-week hybrid live competition that combines physical presence with livestream elements. It is modeled on a reality competition format with weekly Boardroom elimination sessions. Contestants compete head-to-head, executing their Design, Build, Release cycle at a much higher intensity. The stakes escalate each week as the field narrows toward the final three winners.

Question 48

Do I need to relocate for Stage Two?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stage Two requires full-time commitment and physical relocation to the competition location for 12 weeks. Advancing teams are given a transition window from December 30, 2026 to January 5, 2027 to arrive before Stage Two begins.

Question 49

What is the weekly time commitment for Stage Two?

Accepted Answer

Stage Two requires full-time commitment. Unlike Stage One (which is side-hustle friendly at 20 hours per week), Stage Two demands your complete focus. You will need to leave other work commitments for the 12-week duration. The competition intensity, weekly Boardroom sessions, and head-to-head format require dedicated effort.

Question 50

Where will Stage Two take place?

Accepted Answer

The host city and country for Stage Two have not yet been announced. All contestants who advance from Stage One will receive sufficient advance notice to arrange travel, accommodation, and relocation logistics. The Stage Two location will be confirmed and communicated before Stage One concludes. Updates will be shared through official Forja channels.

Question 51

Will Forja provide accommodation for Stage Two contestants?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation arrangements for Stage Two contestants are pending confirmation. Full details, including any accommodation support, logistics, and relocation guidance, will be communicated to advancing teams during the transition window between Stage One and Stage Two.

Question 52

What does a typical week in Stage Two look like?

Accepted Answer

Each Stage Two week follows the Design, Build, Release rhythm at high intensity. Contestants execute a sprint to build and deliver to paying customers, attend a mid-week progress check-in or mentorship session, and then face a Boardroom session where weekly results are evaluated. As the field narrows toward the final three, the stakes and pressure increase each week.

Question 53

What do Forja winners receive beyond prize money?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the $250,000 prize pool, Forja winners and finalists gain access to the broader ecosystem. Winners and standout contestants may be featured on the Integrity Pilot platform (a reputation and discovery engine for Home Improvement providers), invited to exhibit at IIDE (the International Interior Design Expo), and connected with B2B growth services. The competition is designed to be a launchpad, not just a prize.

Question 54

When is the next Forja competition?

Accepted Answer

The first Forja competition opens registration on September 30, 2026 and kicks off on December 1, 2026. Stage One runs for 4 weeks, the transition window runs December 30, 2026 to January 5, 2027, and Stage Two begins on January 6, 2027 before concluding on March 30, 2027. Future competition cycles have not yet been announced.

Question 55

Are Forja non-winners eligible for Design Glyphe ecosystem benefits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Standout contestants who do not finish in the top three prize positions may still be considered for inclusion on the Integrity Pilot platform, invited to exhibit at IIDE, and connected with Design Glyphe B2B growth services. The competition is designed to create lasting value for all high-performing participants, not only the prize winners. Strong execution throughout Stage One and Stage Two is noticed regardless of final ranking.

Question 56

Will there be a second Forja competition?

Accepted Answer

Future Forja competition cycles have not been announced. The first competition opens registration on September 30, 2026. Updates on future seasons will be shared through official Forja channels, including the Forja newsletter and the website at enterforja.com.

Question 57

What happens to my startup data after Forja ends?

Accepted Answer

Contestant and startup data is handled in accordance with the Forja Privacy Policy, available at enterforja.com/privacy. Design Glyphe LLC does not sell or share contestant data with third parties for marketing purposes. Data retention and deletion policies are detailed in the privacy policy.

Question 58

Is Forja open to applicants from any country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stage One is 100% virtual and globally distributed. Any founder building a startup in the Home Improvement sector, anywhere in the world, is welcome to apply. There is no geographic restriction on entry. Stage Two requires physical relocation to the competition host location, which will be announced before Stage One concludes.

Question 59

What language is Forja conducted in?

Accepted Answer

English is the primary language for all Forja competition communications, official documentation, contestant submissions, Boardroom sessions, and evaluation processes. Contestants must be able to communicate effectively in English throughout the competition.

Question 60

What currency are the prize amounts and customer minimums denominated in?

Accepted Answer

All financial figures in Forja are denominated in US Dollars (USD). This includes the $250,000 prize pool, the $250 minimum customer payment threshold, and the $36,000 annual revenue cap for eligibility. Contestants operating in other currencies should account for exchange rate fluctuations when assessing their eligibility and planning their competition finances.

Question 61

Do I need a visa to participate in Stage Two?

Accepted Answer

Stage Two requires physical relocation to the competition host location for 12 weeks. Contestants are fully responsible for arranging their own travel documents and any visas or permits required for entry and stay. Forja cannot provide immigration assistance, visa sponsorship, or legal advice on travel documents. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the Stage Two host country, which will be announced before Stage One concludes.

Question 62

Can my startup serve customers in a language other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no restriction on the language in which your product or service operates or the language your customers speak. Your business may serve any market in any language. All official competition communication, submissions, and Boardroom sessions must be conducted in English.

Question 63

Can I compete in Forja as a solo founder?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solo founders are explicitly welcome and compete on equal footing with teams. Forja evaluates what you build and deliver, not how many people are on your team. The maximum team size is three members, and there is no minimum.

Question 64

How do I handle equity with my co-founders during Forja?

Accepted Answer

Forja does not regulate internal equity arrangements between co-founders. Your team's equity split is a private agreement between the founders, separate from the competition. If your startup wins, the SAFE investment is made into your company entity under your existing legal and cap table structure. Forja strongly recommends that co-founding teams have a founder agreement in place before competing.

Every question about Forja, answered.

Got questions? We have answers. Everything you need to know about Forja before you apply.