1:1 Coaching
The best way to learn about building a startup is from those who have done it.
Our network of coaches includes a variety of individuals including founders and early employees of successful startups. They are available to meet on-on-one or in a small group to discuss your startup ideas and aspirations and help guide you to turning your concept into a reality.
In addition to these fantastic coaches, we have close relationships with the other entrepreneurial support units on campus. To provide the best resources possible, you may be referred to one of our partners whose expertise best match with your needs.
“Henrique was easy to talk to and every meeting was like a small step towards a bigger outcome. Coaching helped me understand the problem in detail and figure out a pathway to fulfillment!”
aishwarya Bansal, Engineering student
“My favourite coach so far is Lichen. She listened thoroughly while I explained my idea, played devil’s advocate by bringing up reasonable concerns, and offered to help me set milestones to keep me accountable.”
Anonymous, Mathematics student
“Rachel Figueiredo provided invaluable information and resources about industry performance, market competition, emerging technologies, and on-campus groups.”
Venay Banga, Engineering student
Please Note: In order to help combat the spread of COVID-19 all coaching sessions will be virtual sessions until further notice.
Check out our roster of experienced coaches below. Determine who may be able to best meet your needs and help with your entrepreneurial journey. If you aren’t sure, speak with a Concept representative to schedule a session and/or point you in the right direction.
If another entrepreneurial resource would be most beneficial, we will be sure to make the connection and help guide you.
Think you would be a great coach to students? We’re always looking to add to our network. Learn more about becoming a coach and apply if you think you’re a good fit.
Please Note: Students who miss more than two sessions without at least eight hours notice will no longer be eligible for coaching sessions. If you need to cancel an appointment with a Coach, please make sure to do so at least 24 hours in advance by using the link in the invite or through a direct email to the Coach.
They’re Friendly, We Promise
Our Coaches
Abdallah El-Falou
Abdallah loves strategizing to validate ideas, assess feasibility, create minimalistic prototypes, and find product-market fit. He’s also trying to perfect a pour-over cup of coffee.
Expertise: Problem/idea formulation, pitch coaching, hardware, science, prototyping, IP & patenting, sales
Eric Blondeel
Eric is passionate about entrepreneurship in medicine and biotech and solving real-world problems. He has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, is a Y Combinator alum and co-founded ExVivo Labs where he was previously CTO.
Expertise: Science, problem/idea formulation, customer discovery, hardware development
Henrique Dias
Henrique is a sales and marketing expert and he is here to help you 1. See your idea from your customers’ shoes; 2. Come up with a persuasive and compelling pitch; and 3. Find a strategy to get in front of your potential customers and secure early deals. Henrique does 45-minute meetings every day of the week.
Expertise: Sales, customer discovery, talking to users, pitch coaching
Cole Powers
Cole is passionate about the people side of entrepreneurship. He is the co-founder of IntelliCulture (an agriculture tech startup) and has a mix of experience in pitching, customer discovery, and building tech.
Expertise: Pitch coaching, problem/idea formulation, customer discovery, prototyping/mockups
