757 BLD > A Program of 757 Collab
Turn real business problems into launchable solutions.
BLD is 757 Collab’s venture-building program.
Through hands-on collaboration, team formation, technical talent, and real-world problem solving, BLD gives aspiring founders and early-stage builders a structured place to move from ideas to action.
What is BLD?
BLD is where ideas become tangible.
Build Weekend is the flagship activation inside BLD, but the program is bigger than one event.
BLD is a long-term venture-building pathway designed to help people form teams, build solutions, and create startup momentum in Hampton Roads.
The Approach
Are you a good fit?
BLD is built for people who are ready to create, not just talk about ideas.
Aspiring founders ready to test an idea
Early-stage founders looking for momentum
Builders, makers, and operators who want to work on real problems
Collaborators ready to move from concept to execution
INSIDE THE PROGRAM:
Build prototypes, MVPs, or launchable concepts
Connect with mentors, founders, and ecosystem partners
Gain clarity on the next step for their idea or venture
Create momentum that can continue through the broader 757 Collab ecosystem
BLD helps people move from “I have an idea” to “we built something real.”
Build Weekend
Build Weekend is the flagship entry point into BLD.
It brings together builders, founders, technical talent, and operators for an intensive venture-building experience focused on creating real solutions in a short period of time.
Tim Masterson
Principal Architect of Streaming for Paramount+ and Pluto
"Every time I do a build weekend I learn new things that I end up taking back to my day to day work.
Also it’s a good chance make new friends with people who actually make things."
Eddikson Peña
AI Architect
AI Engineer
"BLD WKND stood out as a rare environment where builders, thinkers, and operators were all aligned around actually creating not just talking. It brought together a highly motivated group of people in Norfolk who are genuinely interested in pushing forward ideas, especially in areas like AI and emerging technology.
What made it valuable was the combination of energy and intent. It gave people an outlet to collaborate, experiment, and build alongside others who share the same drive to innovate. That kind of space is needed it accelerates ideas, creates real connections, and helps turn concepts into something tangible."
Sara Kirkland
Senior Associate Vice President for Corporate Partnerships at ODU
“Partnering with 757 Collab on BLD WKND was a tremendous experience. Their team brings incredible energy, organization, and a true commitment to community-driven innovation.
At Old Dominion University, we are proud to support initiatives like this that inspire entrepreneurship, connect talent to opportunity, and help shape a stronger, more innovative future for our region.”
