Founder Institute Italy’s Post

Last few weeks to apply to learn how to add more value to a startup's board with IGEP - Instituto de Gobernanza Empresarial y Pública and Draper House Americas / Draper Startup House. IGEP has been preparing people to be part of boards for more than 10 years with an amazing alumni network. Draper Startup House has been working for a couple of years in preparing founders to build and fundraise. We joined forces to help you make startup boards and board meetings work for the startups, instead of being something to dread or fear. Applications here: https://lnkd.in/dQeQi9QT 🚀 B4SU: Boards for Start-Ups 🇨🇱🇺🇾🇦🇷 An innovative program by IGEP - Instituto de Gobernanza Empresarial y Pública with support from Draper Startup House and Draper University, designed to train future leaders of startup boards in the Americas. If you're an entrepreneur or investor and want to make a difference from the Board, this is your moment! 💡 👉 To apply: https://lnkd.in/dQeQi9QT What can you expect? 🖥️ 9 virtual sessions, 2 hours each, held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (from 9 to 11 AM). 👥 Personalized mentoring with experts from the faculty and program leadership. Practical experience in each session: 📊 You'll prepare a report for a VC, selecting the three best startups and justifying why they should receive investment. 🧬 You'll participate in a simulation of Board meetings for a biotech startup, immersed in a real case that will be your guide throughout the 9 sessions! Key topics: 💼 Venture Capital fundamentals. 🏦 Capital structure and the role of the Board. 🎯 Critical decision-making in a startup. 👩💻 The founders' challenge. 📈 Gradual capital opening. ⚖️ Conflicts on the Board and how to manage them. Guided by experts! 🧠 The sessions will be led by practitioners: board members, angels, VCs, and specialists who will share their experience and knowledge with you. Ignacio Campo Alejandro (Alex) Marchionna Faré, Santiago Gallichio, Mariana Rasić Pavletić, Martín Yechua, Santiago Caniggia Bengolea, Mariano B., irene pasolini, Julian De Muria

Do startup founders need mentors? Yes or No? I’ve been mentoring startups for years now, without even realising it. However I was doing it always under the umbrella of either my businesses or startup accelerators where I worked in London in the past. Never did I put myself out there as Alina Nilsson, mentor for startups. At the beginning of this year one of my professional goals was to become a mentor as an individual. I even added a task on my todo list (and never actually completed it) Call it universe, serendipity, magic, but soon I started getting requests. First from my network for individual sessions. And then from actual accelerators. So far I signed up with 3 programmes, and today I want to mention one of them. I’ve started my collaboration with ULTRA.VC team over a year ago, when they joined my conference EMERGE as a partner. Back then I did a workshop for their first cohort about fundraising and pitch decks, and 6 months later I offered expert’s office hours for their next cohort. I’ve known the team behind Ultra VC probably for at least 5 years (ex Rockstart) and can highly recommend them. Guys focus on verticals that can make a significant impact on people's quality of life: - Personal & Mental Wellbeing - Education and Lifelong Learning - Future of Work - New Governance - FinTech with Impact - Ethical use of AI Applications are still open until 11 August. And I am happy to say that I will be mentoring one of the startups this time. Programme is held online. If you have any questions about the programme, ping Daria Reutovich, Yury Shlahanau or Nikita Yuriev. #mentor #startup #accelerator 

🚀 Unlock Your Startup’s Potential: The Power of Accelerator Programs For startups looking to fast-track their growth and increase their visibility in a crowded market, joining an accelerator program can be a game-changer. Here’s why these programs are invaluable: 1. Expert Mentorship: Accelerators provide access to seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts who offer mentorship, guidance, and invaluable insights that can help refine your business strategy and operations. 2. Capital Injection: Many accelerator programs offer seed investment in exchange for equity. This immediate financial boost can be critical for early-stage startups needing to scale operations quickly. 3. Networking Opportunities: Being part of an accelerator puts you in a community of fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and potential partners. The networking opportunities can lead to collaborations, additional funding, and new customer leads. 4. Structured Growth: Accelerators typically have a structured program that can help you focus on growth areas that are otherwise challenging to prioritize in the day-to-day running of a startup. 5. Increased Credibility: Graduating from a reputable accelerator program can significantly enhance your startup’s credibility, attracting further attention from investors and media. 6. Demo Days: Most accelerators culminate in a demo day where startups present their business to a room full of investors and industry leaders. This is a unique opportunity to attract funding and press attention. 7. Tailored Resources: Beyond funding and mentorship, accelerators often provide startups with resources like co-working spaces, tech support, and legal counsel, which can be costly for a new business. 8. Learning Curve Reduction: Accelerators help you navigate common startup pitfalls, reducing your learning curve and helping you avoid costly mistakes. Joining an accelerator can dramatically alter the trajectory of your startup by providing the tools, resources, and networks needed to succeed. If you’re ready to accelerate your growth, explore which program aligns best with your business vision and goals. 🔗 Are you considering an accelerator for your startup, or have you graduated from one? I’d love to hear about your experiences and discuss how to maximize the benefits! If you are still looking for funding, we, at A1 Advisory can help. Simply fill in this form and we'll get back to you in 5 working days (more likely, less) - https://lnkd.in/dAJm-TYJ #StartupGrowth #BusinessAccelerator #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessMentorship #Networking #StartupLife #Innovation #FundingOpportunity

A business incubator is a dynamic and supportive environment designed to foster the growth and success of early-stage start-ups and entrepreneurs. Functioning as a catalyst for innovation, a business incubator offers a range of resources, services, and mentorship to help fledgling companies navigate the complexities of the business world. At its core, a business incubator serves as a launchpad for startups, providing shared office spaces, infrastructure, and essential amenities. The goal is to create a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs can exchange ideas, share experiences, and benefit from collective knowledge. One key aspect of business incubators is the provision of mentorship and guidance. Experienced mentors, often industry veterans or successful entrepreneurs, offer valuable insights, strategic advice, and a network of connections to the startups under their wing. This mentorship helps young businesses make informed decisions, avoid pitfalls, and accelerate their growth. In addition to physical space and mentorship, business incubators may offer access to funding opportunities, legal and administrative support, and specialized training programs. By creating a supportive ecosystem, incubators empower startups to overcome challenges, refine their business models, and attract potential investors. Business incubators play a vital role in nurturing innovation and fostering economic development. They provide a structured and nurturing environment where startups can develop their ideas, refine their products or services, and gain the necessary skills to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Ultimately, business incubators contribute to building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem by cultivating the next generation of successful businesses. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us or visit our website at 🌎 https://zurl.co/uEVN! #accelerate #growth #mentorships #funding #entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #startup #SME

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁: 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲 Imagine compressing years of business growth into just 12 weeks. That's the promise - and the pressure - of startup accelerators. These entrepreneurial boot camps have become the breeding grounds for tomorrow's tech giants. But with thousands of startups vying for a handful of spots, what separates the wheat from the chaff? Let's pull back the curtain! 🔍 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺? Accelerators typically offer a fixed-term, cohort-based program that includes mentorship, educational components, and culminates in a public pitch event or demo day. Key features include: • Competitive application process • Seed investment in exchange for equity • Focus on small teams rather than individual founders • Time-limited support (usually 3-6 months) • Cohort-based structure 💡 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 When designing or choosing an accelerator, consider these crucial factors: 1. Clear Mission: Define specific objectives, whether it's creating investor deal flow, stimulating economic development, or driving social impact. 2. Funding Structure: Determine sustainable revenue streams and investment models. 3. Talent Attraction: Develop compelling strategies to recruit high-potential startups. 4. Mentor Network: Build and manage a strong network of experienced mentors. 5. Investor Connections: Facilitate access to follow-on funding opportunities. 🎯 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 Successful accelerators provide multifaceted support: • Intensive Mentorship: Access to industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs • Skill Development: Workshops on key business areas (finance, marketing, pitching) • Networking: Connections to potential customers, partners, and investors • Funding Access: Initial investment and pathways to follow-on capital • Post-Program Support: Ongoing resources and alumni networks As the startup ecosystem matures, accelerators play an increasingly vital role in nurturing innovation and driving economic growth. For finance professionals and graduates, understanding this model is crucial for identifying promising investment opportunities and supporting the next generation of business leaders. -------- Credit: Nesta's Startup Accelerator Programmes: A Practice Guide Follow All Chance to learn from more innovative insights. #Startups #VentureCapital #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

The startup ecosystem is undeniably more complex than traditional business models, presenting its own set of unique challenges. In my experience, one of the most effective ways to support startups is by fostering active communities that promote genuine collaboration among founders.

🚀 Just wrapped up an enlightening session by Nidhi Kachhawa, CEO of AIC-JKLU, on **startups** and the **startup ecosystem**! Here are my key takeaways: 🤔 1. **What defines a startup** and its unique characteristics 📝 2. Key components of the ecosystem: incubators, accelerators, investors, and mentors 🤝 3. **Challenges for startups**: funding, talent acquisition, and market validation 📊 4. The role of **innovation, scalability, and sustainability** in a startup’s success 💡 5. **Government support** and initiatives for startups 🏛️ 💬 Nidhi Kachhawa shared invaluable insights on key topics: 🚀 1. Navigating the startup journey from **ideation to scaling** 🚀 2. **Building a strong team** through skills, culture, and leadership 👥 3. Effective strategies for **pitching and fundraising** 💸 4. Using technology to gain a **competitive edge** 📈 5. Adapting to evolving **market trends** and consumer needs 📊 🎉 Highlights from the session included: 🎉 - An engaging **Q&A** with Nidhi Kachhawa 🤔 - Real-world examples of successful startups and their journeys 📈 - Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and industry leaders 🤝 💡 Here are some **actionable tips** from the session: 💡 1. **Validate your idea** through market research and feedback 📊 2. Create a **solid business plan** with financial projections 📝 3. Prioritize **customer acquisition and retention** 📈 4. Stay **agile** in a rapidly evolving market 🔄 5. Build **strategic partnerships and collaborations** 🤝 #startups #startupecosystem #entrepreneurship #innovation #governmentinitiatives #leadership #fundraising #marketvalidation #networking #marketresearch #financialprojections #customeracquisition #agility #edp #strategicpartnerships #collaborations JECRC University

The Secret Sauce of Rebel Accelerators. Originally developed for the high-velocity startup world, business accelerators are popular for their ability to drive rapid growth in early-stage ideas by providing selected startups with a coordinated environment of mentorship, education, and resources in exchange for a small equity stake in the business. Research by Cohen, Bingham, Hallen demonstrates that startups participating in accelerators achieve higher survival rates and up to 170% higher funding compared to similar startups that don't get accepted. So what’s their secret sauce? Successful accelerators follow three principles: Accelerate Advice - Accelerators that condense mentorship and customer feedback into intensive bursts, rather than spreading it out over time, help startups quickly refine their business strategies. The rapid firehose of advice counters founders' tendency to resist feedback that challenges their plans. Hearing similar critiques from multiple sources and individuals in quick succession pushes founders to think more abstractly and see higher-level patterns. Peer Pressure - Accelerators that facilitate open information sharing and contention among cohort members create "friendly peer rivalry" that cultivates learning. Seeing the progress of peer startups helps founders recognise their own blind spots and set more ambitious near-term goals. Tactical advice from fellow founders on execution also contributes to the strategic guidance from experienced mentors. Timed Transitions - Rather than allowing startups to flexibly customise their own paths, the most successful accelerators have fixed schedules with structured transitions between learning activities. This balance of explorative learning and focused execution helps startups avoid getting stuck in perpetual exploration mode and ensures their knowledge translates into tangible progress. Accelerating advice, facilitating peer pressure, and mandating timed transitions drive innovation and growth while making rapid progress even in complex, uncertain situations. What do you think? How can startup accelerator principles be applied to corporation innovation teams? #innovation #instructionaldesign

Avra Capital is quietly becoming the go-to program for scaling startups, helping founders tackle growth challenges through tailored, top-tier mentorship. 🎓 Elite founder school: Avra offers a highly selective program for post-Series A startups, focusing on executive hiring, fast scaling, and long-term strategy. 📚 Y Combinator roots: Founded by Anu Hariharan, Avra’s team built on lessons learned from YC Continuity, creating a unique growth-stage education program. 💼 Tactical expertise: Instructors are experienced CEOs who guide founders on scaling teams, maintaining fast shipping, and planning financial strategies. 🏆 No-strings approach: Companies join Avra without investment obligations, though Avra is positioned to fund promising alumni based on their performance. 💰 Revolutionizing venture capital: Avra monetizes through VC but flips the script by proving its value to startups before making investments. #startups #venturecapital #leadership 🌍 Global reach: Avra sources startups globally through AI-driven tools, selecting companies from regions like Europe, India, and Latin America. 💡 Focused on scaling: Avra’s curriculum targets growth-phase challenges, such as executive team building, maintaining rapid shipping, and financial preparation for public markets. 🏅 Exclusive mentorship: Founders learn directly from top-tier executives in an off-the-record environment, ensuring candid lessons from real-world experience. 📊 Mini S-1 project: Startups complete a mini S-1 filing to sharpen their understanding of scaling, market positioning, and long-term growth potential. 🔁 Ongoing support: Even after the program, Avra alumni benefit from resources like private sessions, curated content, and access to a growing network of peers and experts. ♻️ Repost if you enjoyed this post and follow me, César Beltrán Miralles, for more curated content about leadership! Inside the Secret School for the World’s Best Founders https://lnkd.in/gvV3a_Fm

🚀 Mentorship and Support for Startups: The Path to Success with VSM Investment Studio 🌟 At VSM Investment Studio, we believe that investing in startups is about more than just providing capital. It’s about standing by entrepreneurs, offering guidance, expertise, and ongoing support to ensure they have the tools needed to thrive. Why Is Mentorship Essential? Every startup faces unique challenges on its journey, from market validation to scalable growth. This is where our mentorship comes into play. With VSM's support, the startups in our portfolio have access to experienced mentors who have been through these stages and know how to navigate the hurdles. How Do We Help Startups Grow? Strategic Guidance 🎯 Our mentors help startups define and refine their business strategies, ensuring that each step is calculated and focused on tangible results. Valuable Connections 🌐 We facilitate access to a powerful network of contacts, including other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, opening doors to partnerships and new opportunities. Operational Support ⚙️ From product development to process optimization, we offer continuous operational support so that startups can focus on what they do best: innovate. Access to Knowledge 📚 We conduct workshops, webinars, and training sessions on crucial topics like fundraising, digital marketing, and financial management, equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to scale their businesses. Ongoing Feedback 🔄 We closely monitor the progress of startups, providing constant feedback and adjusting strategies as needed to ensure they stay on the right track. Accelerating Growth 🚀 At VSM, the success of the startups in our portfolio is our success. We are committed to being long-term partners, helping turn good ideas into high-impact businesses. We believe that with the right guidance, there’s no limit to what startups can achieve. Let’s Make a Difference Together! If you are an investor who values more than just financial returns, join us on this journey. And if you are an entrepreneur looking for support to take your startup to the next level, VSM is here to help. #Mentorship #Startups #VSMInvestmentStudio #Growth #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Networking #OngoingSupport