Learning goal

Every great startup begins with a question.
Why is this still a problem?
What if there’s a better way?

But turning that spark into something real isn’t about luck or inspiration.
It’s a journey, a messy, exciting, humbling path from idea to action to impact.

This founder journey breaks that path into 5 clear stages:

• Spark – where you fall in love with the problem, not just the idea

• Validate – where you test if the problem is real and painful enough to solve

• Build – where you create a simple version of your solution (MVP)

• Launch – where you get it into real users’ hands and start learning fast

• Grow – where you improve, scale, and build the systems that support long-term traction

You don’t need to be a tech expert or a business major.
You just need curiosity, courage, and the willingness to learn by doing.

Why it matters

1. Most failed startups skip steps
   They build too early, pitch too fast, or launch before validating anything.
   This roadmap helps you go slow where it matters, and move fast where it counts.

2. Each stage has its own goal
   Spark isn’t about building. Build isn’t about going viral.
   By knowing what to focus on at each step, you avoid wasting time, and grow with confidence.

3. You can start from anywhere
   Whether you’re still looking for a problem, or you’ve already launched something small, this journey helps you figure out what comes next.

4. It’s built for Filipino founders
   The market here is different. Payment behaviors, trust, tech access, it all matters.
   This series is grounded in real experience, real examples, and tools that actually work in our local context.

What to expect

For each stage, we’ll give you:

• A clear goal and mindset shift

• Real examples from Filipino founders

• Practical tools and templates

• Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Questions to guide your next move

Quick checklist

You’re in the right place if:

• You have an idea, or a problem, that won’t leave your head

• You want to build something real, but don’t know where to start

• You’ve started, but feel stuck on what to do next

• You’re ready to learn fast, test small, and grow with intention

What to do next / StellarPH tip

Don’t try to skip ahead.
Start at Spark, even if you’ve already built something.
Make sure the problem is real, the user is clear, and the pain is worth solving.

That’s the mindset that separates startup daydreams from real-world impact.

Welcome to your founder journey. Let’s make it count.