Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about access, Labs, learning, helping and using your information.
Use these answers to choose a next step. The linked guides explain the actual workflows in more detail.
Is OpenBuilder free?
Community membership, tools, Labs and community features are free with an account. There is no platform subscription to purchase or renew. External opportunities and separately offered programmes may have their own terms; read the specific listing before applying.
Who can join, and do I need a business already?
OpenBuilder serves aspiring and early-stage founders, students, operators, community builders and teams. You can begin before you have a business or a final idea. Start with the getting-started guide and choose work that matches what you currently know.
Do I need to complete every course?
No. Choose learning that helps with the decision in front of you. A particular certificate or programme can have its own completion requirements. Browsing unrelated courses is not a requirement for asking a useful question or exploring a tool.
How do Labs work?
The four Labs organise venture-building work by stage. Each has activities and outputs to help you test assumptions and decide what to do next. Read the Build guide, choose a suitable Lab and follow its own instructions. Completing learning is not the same as proving that a venture will succeed.
Can I work at my own pace?
Many learning activities and tools are self-directed. Save or export work as the activity allows. Programmes, events and booked sessions can have dates or commitments, so check their details separately.
Can I become a mentor or help in another way?
Use I can help for the mentor pathway. Creating an account is followed by an application and any required approval. Connect also helps you explore ways to contribute.
Can organisations use OpenBuilder?
Organisations can explore the partner pathway and describe a programme, resource or collaboration. This does not promise a dedicated organisational workspace, a custom deployment or automatic partnership approval.
How is my data used?
Read the Privacy notice and manage available controls in Settings. Some work is saved to your account; other drafts stay in your browser. AI prompts and relevant context may go to configured AI providers. See privacy and data controls before sharing sensitive information.
What if something does not work?
Preserve unsaved work, read the error and follow troubleshooting. If support is needed, include the page and reference shown, without passwords or payment credentials.