1:1 Coaching
The best way to learn about building a startup is from those who have done it.
We’ve developed a fantastic network of campus coaches who are available to work with you one-on-one. Our coaches are either founders themselves or were one of the very first startup employees–so they have been there and done that.
This is a unique opportunity for you to learn from someone with hands-on experience.
“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
One-on-one coaching
Pitch Preparation
Please Note: In order to help combat the spread of COVID-19 all coaching sessions will be virtual sessions until further notice.
Read about our friendly coaches below. Schedule a 30-minute session with the person you think can best answer your business questions!
Unless stated otherwise, coaching sessions will take place on the 2nd floor of South Campus Hall (SCH) on the main University of Waterloo campus.
Coaching is open to current students and postdocs only. If you are a student that lives in a Waterloo Residence you can also meet with a Student Entrepreneurship Coach.
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
