VALIDATE BEFORE YOU BUILD
JOIN US WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22nd
WHAT
Validate Before You Build teaches founders how to test startup ideas before investing significant time or money into building products or services. Participants will learn how to create a “painted door” version of their idea using lightweight tools, AI-generated mockups, and simple landing pages to test real market demand early.
WHO
This workshop is designed for idea-stage founders, early-stage startup teams, and both technical and non-technical founders who want to validate ideas before building. No prior experience with design, marketing, or AI tools is required.
FACILITATOR
Peter Burghardt
Peter is the founder of StringTree, a premier online auction marketplace for rare and high-value musical instruments built on trust, transparency, and community. With a background in venture capital, product development, and startup acceleration, Peter has spent over a decade helping founders test ideas, validate demand, and bring the right products to market before overinvesting time or money. He previously served as Executive Director of The Batchery and General Partner at IA Seed Ventures, where he guided hundreds of early-stage teams in refining business models and validating their concepts before building.
LUNCH
Free, limited lunches will be available on a first come, first served basis.
ENTRY
Please enter the building on the east side, directly adjacent to the parking lot. If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact Startup Sioux Falls at 605-275-8000.
View parking map
Validate Before You Build teaches founders how to test startup ideas before investing significant time or money into building products or services. Participants will learn how to create a “painted door” version of their idea using lightweight tools, AI-generated mockups, and simple landing pages to test real market demand early.
WHO
This workshop is designed for idea-stage founders, early-stage startup teams, and both technical and non-technical founders who want to validate ideas before building. No prior experience with design, marketing, or AI tools is required.
FACILITATOR
Peter Burghardt
Peter is the founder of StringTree, a premier online auction marketplace for rare and high-value musical instruments built on trust, transparency, and community. With a background in venture capital, product development, and startup acceleration, Peter has spent over a decade helping founders test ideas, validate demand, and bring the right products to market before overinvesting time or money. He previously served as Executive Director of The Batchery and General Partner at IA Seed Ventures, where he guided hundreds of early-stage teams in refining business models and validating their concepts before building.
LUNCH
Free, limited lunches will be available on a first come, first served basis.
ENTRY
Please enter the building on the east side, directly adjacent to the parking lot. If an ADA accommodation is needed, please contact Startup Sioux Falls at 605-275-8000.
View parking map
Location
Startup Sioux Falls
100 East 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
100 East 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Date & Time
April 22, 2026,
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM