Venture Coaching
When you work with the Startup and Innovation CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad team, you can be sure your ideas are protected. All of our venture coaches and software and design coaches are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and a confidentiality agreement.
Venture Coaches
Receive FREE, confidential, one-on-one mentoring and support from The CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad’s network of venture coaches. Our coaches are ready to help move your idea forward with assistance that's perfect for individuals or startups at any stage, in any industry. Whether you're creating a business model canvas, starting the customer discovery process, prepping a pitch deck for a competition - or just need some feedback, we've got you covered.
Software and Design Coaches
Tap into The CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad’s team of talented, tech-minded individuals. Our software and design fellows are here to help in the following areas: website hosting, website development, coding, logo design, app creation, search engine optimization (SEO), prototyping and more. These student volunteers are prepared to consult with you on your venture’s technical needs.
Experts-in-Residence
Do you need specific expertise for your venture? Tap into The CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad's team of talented Experts-in-Residence. We offer one-on-one mentorship with external coaches from the community that have a specific focus. We have experts ready to assist you in:
- Finance and accounting
- Amazon selling and e-commerce
- Medical devices and healthcare
- Securing capital
- Sales and marketing
- ...and more!
Are you looking for legal advice for your venture? We've got you covered there too! Get access to UB's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic for all of your venture's legal needs.
- Click here to apply for legal services or learn more about UB's E-Law Clinic, or
- Sign up for a one-on-one appointment to talk through your needs
How It Works
- Getting started. Schedule an appointment. Depending on your needs, venture coaches or software and design fellows are ready to provide individualized support and guidance.
- Initial intake discussion. Review the prelaunch questionnaire that will be emailed with your appointment confirmation. This is a guide to get you thinking outside the box about your idea. You will then meet with a venture coach or software and design fellow.
- Fire up the engines! Depending on how far your idea has progressed, your coach may connect you with others at the university to help move your idea forward. They’ll develop a plan for next steps and determine the best way to get your idea off the ground.
- Mission: Startup. Meet with your venture coach to continue developing the idea, create a business plan and identify appropriate resources. At this stage, you will be encouraged to create a one-minute pitch.
Interested in meeting with a venture coach? Schedule an appointment today by clicking below!
If you want to become a venture coach, you may apply here. If you want to become a software and design coach, you may apply here.