The Lean Startup Operating System Workshop

 Scaling from 0 to 1 requires more than just product-market fit - it requires a durable operating system. In this interactive, workshop-style session, Ariso CEO Erkang Zheng will walk through the practical framework for building a lean startup operating system.

Designed specifically for first-time founders, this session moves past high-level theory to focus on the day-to-day mechanics of operating a fast-growing business.

📅 Thrusday, April 23, 2026
⏰ 9:00 – 10:20 a.m.
📍 Large Training Room, 600 Park Offices Drive, RTP, NC 27709 

What We'll Cover

  1. Finding the Signal in the Noise — How to identify the real signals inside your business versus distractions.
  2. Building an Operating Cadence — Setting up the rhythms, meetings, and processes that drive high-velocity execution.
  3. Diagnostic Framework — An industry-agnostic approach to diagnosing your business bottlenecks.
  4. Getting Unstuck — Practical tactics for unblocking yourself and your team when momentum stalls.
  5. The AI Operating Partner — A brief look at how AI agents (like Ariso) can support and reinforce your operating system without replacing human leadership.

What You'll Walk Away With

TAKEAWAY 1 đź“‹ Diagnostic Workbook A structured tool to assess your current operating bottlenecks and identify exactly where your business is getting stuck.

TAKEAWAY 2 ⚙️ Operating System Framework A repeatable, industry-agnostic framework you can implement with your team — starting the same week.

Come prepared to discuss your current operational challenges openly with the group.

Member Rate

Free

Complimentary for all active FORGE members. Your membership includes access to the full CED Workshop Series.

REGISTER AS A FORGE MEMBER

Non-Member Rate

$50

Open to all early-stage founders and operators. Includes all workshop materials and takeaway resources.

BUY NOW - $50

Make this workshop free — and every one after it.

FORGE membership includes access to the full CED Workshop Series, a ticket to Venture Connect, and a community of founders and operators across the Research Triangle. If you're going to be in the room anyway, membership pays for itself fast.

 

Learn More About FORGE Membership
Facilitator:
CEO, Ariso

Erkang Zheng

Erkang Zheng is the CEO of Ariso and a repeat founder with deep experience building operating systems for fast-growing startups. His practical, no-nonsense approach to startup operations has helped early-stage companies build the internal infrastructure they need to scale without chaos. In this session, he brings that same framework directly to founders in a small-group, working session format.