Mentors
As a mentor, I am the first point of contact for a startup for 18-24 months – with a time commitment of 2-4 hours per month. The “Senior Mentoring Board” ensures that everyone is optimally prepared for this demanding activity and can develop themselves professionally: from “Junior Mentor” to “Senior Mentor” (with certificate).
Application form
How I benefit as a mentor
Development
As a mentor, I am prepared for my role step by step. By providing practical guidance to startups, I can move on to the level of senior mentor.
Startup‐Insight
As a mentor, I support a start-up as the first contact person for 18-24 months. This allows me to get to know all the challenges that young entrepreneurs face.
Innovation impulse
Through my work and my participation in events and workshops, I learn about new approaches and methodological ideas. I can also use these innovation impulses for my main professional activity.
Startup‐Know‐how
By supporting startups, I learn about all the problems a startup has to solve in order to be successful. The Startup Academy network supports me in this.
Community
The mentor becomes part of the Startup Academy community and expands his or her professional network. At meetings and events, one gets to exchange ideas with many people from business and universities.
Mentoring certificate
Each mentor receives a certificate that can be presented as a reference in the professional environment and that is socially valued as an honorary commitment.
Testimonials
Development prospects
Entry: On-boarding interview
During the on-boarding interview, the Startup Academy gets an idea of the person's professional requirements, personal suitability and motivation. A decision is then made as to whether the person will be accepted into the network as a junior mentor.
Months 1-6: Junior Mentor
After signing an agreement, the person takes part in an introductory workshop. This is followed by a Business Model Canvas Basic workshop and participation in one or two expert panels.
Months 7 - Year 3: Mentor
Once you have been appointed as a mentor (you will receive a certificate), you can take on the task of supporting a start-up for 18-24 months. The experiences are discussed at mentor evenings.
Years 5-6: Senior Mentor
After the appointment as senior mentor, part of the job is also to actively advise and support the site management or the board of directors. This may include on-boarding discussions and appearances at introductory events or mentor evenings.
Years 6+: Senior Mentoring Board
As a member of the Senior Mentoring Board (one senior mentor per location), the goal is to support the Startup Academy Switzerland in the implementation and further development as well as the quality management of the mentoring programme.