Apply to be a Speaker, Mentor or Investor for our Founded in Philly Accelerator Programs
Are you an area founder, investor, startup expert, enterprise executive or thought leader looking to give back to the startup community?
Philly Startup Leaders is accepting applications to be a speaker, mentor or evaluator for our fall accelerator programs, and we’d love to hear from you! Our Founded in Philly programs would not be the same without the network, expertise and guidance of our volunteer speakers, mentors and investors. Interested? Find out more below!
About the Program:
Our Founded in Philly Accelerator Program began in 2014, and is designed to help early/MVP-stage founders with the network, knowledge, and support they need to grow their businesses. It is a 12-week program, and there are mandatory, virtual learning sessions each Tuesday evening from 5:30-7:30pm EST via Zoom.
Alumni of our program include Campus ESP, Employee Cycle, Tribaja, Lula Delivery, SnapRefund, JumpButton Studio and more.
Industry Concentrations:
This year, we are looking for individuals with expertise and background in food innovation and blockchain.
“Thank you for the invite! It was a great event and a really engaged and inspiring group.”
Speaking Opportunities:
Session Speakers (2 Hour Commitment)
Participate in 1 weekly session, confirmed in advance
Provide tactical, how-to knowledge about the week’s subject in a 30 minute presentation (For example: How to create a Product Roadmap)
Facilitate (2-3) small group Q&A sessions
Mentorship Opportunities:
Session Mentors (2-Hour Commitment)
Participate in 1 weekly session, confirmed in advance
Facilitate (2-3) small group Q&A sessions
Dedicated Mentors (6-Week Commitment, 1 Hour per Week)
Paired with 1 startup founder for the second half of the program
Dedicated mentors meet with their assigned founder once per week, on an agreed-upon schedule
Opportunities for Investors:
Investors can participate as speakers, dedicated mentors or evaluators for our lightning pitch nights! More info about the pitch night opportunities can be found below:
Lightning Pitch Night Judge (3 Hour Commitment)
Provide critical feedback during our lightning pitch night, where the cohort pitches to the PSL Community of investors for the first time
“I gained so much from the experience and made some wonderful connections. I appreciate...all of the folks who volunteered their time as speakers and made themselves available for mentoring. I’m feeling grateful for the experience! ”