Accelerator / Incubator Operating System

Platform to help accelerators and incubators manage programs, cohorts, and applications. Delivered in two months using systematic discovery and validation. Combined product strategy and UX design to create an end-to-end solution that streamlined operations for early-stage ecosystem organizations.

Year: 2023-Present
Company: Ricardo Lamego Design
Industry: B2B SaaS
Role: Product Strategy & UX Lead

Challenge

Accelerators and incubators operate with fragmented tools and manual processes, making it difficult to manage programs, track cohort progress, and evaluate applications at scale. Most rely on spreadsheets, email, and disparate systems that create operational overhead and prevent systematic analysis of program effectiveness. The market lacked a purpose-built solution addressing the specific workflows and decision-making processes of ecosystem support organizations.

Approach

Discovery & Validation

Conducted qualitative research with accelerator operators to map existing workflows and pain points
Identified critical gaps in cohort management, application evaluation, and program analytics
Validated problem-solution fit through systematic interviews and concept testing

Product Strategy

Defined product vision focusing on operational efficiency and data-driven program management
Created comprehensive roadmap balancing immediate operational needs with long-term platform capabilities
Developed SWOT analysis to position against generic project management tools

Design & Delivery

Built complete information architecture supporting complex multi-stakeholder workflows
Designed intuitive interfaces for program managers, mentors, and startup participants
Delivered wireframes, low and high-fidelity designs, and interactive prototypes
Developed brand identity and documentation supporting product launch

Outcome

2-month delivery: Complete 0→1 product delivered from concept to launch-ready state within aggressive timeline.

Systematic approach: Applied systematic discovery and validation practices that ensured product-market fit before significant development investment.

Operational transformation: Platform streamlined complex operational processes for ecosystem organizations, enabling them to focus on supporting startups rather than administrative overhead.

Methods & Deliverables

Methods: Qualitative research, Product strategy, UX strategy, Interviews, Personas, Empathy maps
Deliverables: 0→1 Launch, Product Vision, Roadmap, SWOT analysis, Wireframes, Workflows, Low-fi mockups, Hi-fi designs, Prototypes, Branding, Documentation, Personas, Empathy maps
Tags: Product Strategy, UX Design, B2B SaaS, 0→1 Launch, 2-month delivery, Consulting, Norway