Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Nerdsmith, the Founder Track, and how we help startup teams get AI fluent.
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Product & Courses
What exactly is the Founder Track?
The Founder Track is a 6-module program (23 lessons total) designed to teach non-technical founders how to use AI tools for product development, customer research, workflow automation, content creation, and strategic thinking. Think of it as your AI operating system for running a startup.
Do I need technical or coding experience?
No. The Founder Track is built for non-technical founders and operators. We focus on practical AI workflows you can implement without writing code. Module 0 teaches Claude Code basics, but you'll be guided step-by-step with no prior experience needed.
How long does it take to complete the Founder Track?
The entire track is about 7 hours of content. You can binge it in a weekend or spread it out over a few weeks. Most people complete Module 0 (the bootcamp) in a single session, then work through the other modules at their own pace.
What's the difference between modules and lessons?
Modules are major topic areas (like 'AI for Product Development' or 'Content and Marketing'). Each module contains 3-5 lessons. Lessons are 20-40 minute deep dives into specific workflows you can implement immediately.
Do you add new content regularly?
Yes. Individual plan subscribers get access to all new content as it ships. We're constantly adding new lessons, templates, and workflows based on what's working in the real world.
Can I access the content on mobile?
Yes. All content is fully responsive and works on mobile, tablet, and desktop. However, for hands-on exercises (especially in Module 0), you'll want a laptop or desktop for the best experience.
Pricing & Plans
What's included in the free plan?
The free plan includes all blog content, Module 0 Lesson 1 (sample lesson), and our weekly newsletter. It's a great way to get a feel for our teaching style before committing.
Can I switch between monthly and annual billing?
Yes. You can upgrade from monthly to annual anytime to start saving. Annual subscribers save $98/year (equivalent to 2 months free). If you switch from annual to monthly, the change will take effect at your next renewal.
Do you offer refunds?
Monthly subscriptions can be canceled anytime, and you'll retain access until the end of your billing period. Annual plans can be refunded within 30 days if you're not satisfied. No questions asked.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) through Stripe. We don't currently support PayPal or cryptocurrency.
Is there a discount for students or non-profits?
We offer 40% off Individual plans for students and registered non-profits. Email us at hello@nerdsmith.com with proof of status (student ID or 501(c)(3) documentation) to get your discount code.
Learning Experience
What happens after I sign up?
You'll immediately get access to the full Founder Track. We recommend starting with Module 0, Lesson 1 to get set up with Claude Code. From there, you can follow the track in order or jump to topics that interest you most.
Do lessons expire or get taken away?
No. As long as your subscription is active, you have unlimited access to all content. If you cancel, you lose access when your billing period ends, but if you resubscribe later, you'll pick up right where you left off.
Are there quizzes or assignments?
Most lessons include hands-on exercises or prompts to try. There are no graded assignments or required quizzes. The focus is on building real workflows you can use immediately, not passing tests.
Can I download the lessons or templates?
Templates, prompt libraries, and downloadable assets are included with Individual plans and above. Lessons themselves are web-based and not available for offline download, but you can access them anytime while subscribed.
Is there a community or support forum?
Individual plan subscribers get access to our private community where you can ask questions, share workflows, and connect with other founders learning AI. We also host occasional live Q&A sessions.
Team Plans
What's the minimum team size?
The Team plan starts at $199/month for 5 seats. You can add additional seats at $39/seat. It's designed for startup teams of 5-15 people, but we support smaller and larger teams as well.
What's included in the Team plan?
Everything in the Individual plan, plus: group onboarding sessions, an admin dashboard to track team progress, team analytics, and the ability to invite/manage team members. You'll also get priority email support.
Can I add or remove team members anytime?
Yes. You can invite or remove team members from your admin dashboard. Billing is prorated based on when seats are added or removed during your billing cycle.
How does the admin dashboard work?
The admin dashboard shows which team members have completed which lessons, tracks overall team progress, and lets you manage seats and invitations. It's designed to give managers visibility without being invasive.
What's the Partnership plan?
The Partnership plan ($3K-10K/month) is for teams that want done-for-you setup and coaching. It includes everything in Team, plus 1:1 coaching sessions, custom workflow builds, and dedicated support. Contact us for pricing based on your needs.
Technical Questions
What AI tools do I need?
The Founder Track is built around Anthropic's Claude (specifically Claude Code). You'll need a Claude Pro subscription ($20/month) to follow along with most lessons. We occasionally reference ChatGPT, but Claude is the primary tool.
Do I need to install anything?
For Module 0 (Claude Code Bootcamp), you'll install Claude Code CLI, which works on Mac, Windows, and Linux. Other modules use web-based tools that require no installation. We walk you through setup step-by-step.
What if I get stuck on something technical?
Individual plan subscribers have access to our community forum where you can ask questions. Team and Partnership plans include priority support. We also update lessons based on common questions to make sure they're clear.
Can I use this with ChatGPT instead of Claude?
Some concepts transfer, but the Founder Track is specifically designed for Claude and Claude Code. The prompt patterns, workflows, and examples are optimized for Claude's behavior. If you're committed to ChatGPT, you may find some lessons less directly applicable.
Ready to get started?
Start with Module 0, Lesson 1 for free. No credit card required.