Who Are the Best Startup Mentors?
As a new entrepreneur, it's essential to surround yourself with experienced and successful individuals who can guide you through the startup journey. One of the most critical roles in this regard is that of a startup mentor. But who are the best startup mentors out there, and what makes them stand out? Let's take a look.
Steve Blank
Steve Blank is a serial entrepreneur and academic who is widely regarded as the "Godfather of Silicon Valley." He has founded eight startups and has helped to launch several others. Blank is also the author of "The Four Steps to the Epiphany," a book that has become a bible for many startup founders. He is known for his customer development methodology, which emphasizes the importance of getting out of the building and talking to customers to validate your ideas.
Eric Ries
Eric Ries is the author of the book "The Lean Startup," which has become a must-read for anyone starting a new venture. Ries is a proponent of the lean startup methodology, which focuses on rapid experimentation and iterative product development. He is also the founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange, a startup that aims to create a new kind of stock exchange that rewards companies for taking a long-term approach to business.
Brad Feld
Brad Feld is a venture capitalist and the author of several books on startup investing, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities." He is also the co-founder of Techstars, one of the most prestigious startup accelerators in the world. Feld is known for his deep knowledge of the startup ecosystem and his willingness to share that knowledge with others.
Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki is a former Apple executive and the author of several books on entrepreneurship, including "The Art of the Start" and "Enchantment." He is also a well-known speaker and evangelist for the startup community. Kawasaki is known for his practical advice on everything from pitching investors to building a brand.
Mark Suster
Mark Suster is a venture capitalist and the founder of Upfront Ventures, one of the most active VC firms in the world. Suster is known for his blog, Both Sides of the Table, where he shares his insights on startup investing and entrepreneurship. He is also a prolific speaker and mentor, and he has invested in some of the most successful startups of the past decade.
Hire a Startup Advisor
Startup mentors can be an invaluable resource for new entrepreneurs. The best mentors have deep knowledge of the startup ecosystem, practical experience building and scaling successful companies, and a willingness to share their insights and advice with others. While the individuals listed above are just a few of the many talented startup mentors out there, they are all worth considering if you're looking for guidance and support as you embark on your startup journey.
Upthriving is a fully integrated startup growth service for entrepreneurs that have built a product with market fit. More than a startup advisory service, we execute projects that maximize revenue for your business while you focus on building the product.