The line between success and failure is always about the people, the ability to innovate, to move forward whatever the chaos or curveball that erupts along the way.
The journey from startup to a successful company can be perilous, that's why mentorship has so much value. Mentors are those people, the ones who prevailed regardless of resources, transforming themselves in the process to one of the most valuable resources available to a new startup. They bridge the gap between founders and fully fledged CEOs of a thriving business with global impact.
Our Program
We pair each startup with a team of three mentors. Both parties determine the frequency of meetings. The group of mentors work together, leveraging a wealth of perspectives.
What we look for
Our Mentees go through a rigorous selection process and come from across Montreal on the strength of their ideas and their potential. We focus on innovative startups, rather than lifestyle startups.
Founders ready to transition from early startup mode to an established company.
Ambitious, open-minded and committed to scaling up.
Aware that they need deeper management skill sets in their company
Already interacting with the external stakeholders (customers, suppliers, distributors, investors, etc.)
Are innovative in the technology they use or in their business with proven viability of their idea.
An existing trajectory for revenue growth
A trusted environment for all, MentorConnect is built on the principles of creating a trusted and safe environment. All mentors work to strict ethical guidelines, we take no equity, allowing for a conflict-free and confidential environment.
“We started off as two people who had a good idea. We had traction, we had clients, but it was only with mentoring that we evolved as a real business. It was a transformational experience.”
Erika Braithwaite, Ph.D. CEO & Kathryn Morrison, Ph.D. CFO of Precision Analytics
FAQs
Once accepted as a startup, how long do we get access to mentoring?
As long as the mentees and mentors think it is beneficial for the startup. On average, they meet every two months with mentors and can request additional meetings on a per need basis.
Do you charge any fees, take equity, or claim intellectual property?
For entrepreneurs, your intellectual property remains your own, and we don’t take equity or charge any fees. Mentors are volunteers and follow a strict ethical code of conduct to create a safe space, which means they cannot invest in startups they mentor.
Do I need to be part of Concordia University or District 3 to be part of MentorConnect?
MentorConnect is open to all venture teams and experienced business leaders in the greater Montreal region.