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Lighthouse Labs is a Mentor-Driven Program

The opportunity to be encouraged, challenged, and taught by someone who has experienced successes and failures as an entrepreneur proves invaluable to a founder. Mentors are the greatest assets to our program, and we couldn’t invest in the lives of founders without them.

Our Mentor Network consists of:

  • Over 100 subject-matter experts who have built big things and learned the lessons.

  • Industry breadth and depth for any topic or problem.

  • From one-off connections to regular check-ins, every touchpoint makes the difference

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Mentor FAQs

 

What kind of mentors is Lighthouse Labs looking for?
 

1. Why would I want to become a Lighthouse Labs mentor?

You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Engage with innovative founders and exciting companies solving real-world problems.

  • Share your expertise with those in need of guidance.

  • Connect with founders, investors, and other mentors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

  • Learn about local resources available to startups.

  • Attend social events and network with others passionate about startups.

  • Build meaningful, lasting relationships with founders.

  • Collaborate with the dynamic Lighthouse Labs team.
     

2. Do I have to be based in Richmond/in Virginia?

No, residency in Richmond or Virginia is not required. While many mentors are local to Richmond and participate in events like Demo Day, much of the mentoring occurs remotely through phone or online interactions. Founders are only required to be in Richmond for two weeks of the program.
 

3. Do I have to be a founder (or have startup experience) myself?

Experience as a founder or working in a startup is beneficial but not mandatory. We value mentors who can share their expertise in specific areas (such as taxes, human resources, or sales) or industries. Subject matter experts are highly valuable to Lighthouse Labs for providing specialized advice.
 

4. What makes a good Lighthouse mentor?

The ideal mentor:

  • Is an experienced professional eager to support entrepreneurs, either as an entrepreneur or a subject matter expert.

  • Is well-connected in the Richmond community and enjoys networking.

  • Comes from any industry and is an expert in their field.

  • Is committed to active and consistent participation in the Lighthouse program.
     

We strive to recruit diverse mentors, including women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, rural residents, and LGBTQ+ individuals, to reflect our founder community.
 

5. Do I have to be in a specific industry?

No, Lighthouse Labs is an industry-agnostic accelerator. We welcome mentors from all industries. Occasionally, certain spots in a cohort may be reserved for specific industries, but generally, we seek mentors across all sectors.
 

6. What is the time commitment?

The level of involvement is flexible and can include:

  • Acting as a subject matter expert on call.

  • Participating in strategic mentor meetings twice a year (a few hours total).

  • Becoming a lead mentor for a company, involving significant engagement during the 11-week program.
     

We will provide more details on the options during the application process.
 

What else do I need to know?

  • Lighthouse Labs does not compensate mentors.

  • Mentors are valued volunteers and should not use their role to build their client base or solicit services. Any solicitation will result in immediate termination.

  • Post-accelerator program, the continuation of the mentor-founder relationship is optional and determined by both parties.

  • Mentors must maintain strict confidentiality to protect the innovative ideas and sensitive information shared during the mentoring process. Any breach will result in immediate termination.
     

OK, I’m interested. What should I do now?

Fill out our interest form below, which takes about 5 minutes. We’ll ask about your expertise and industry experience. After reviewing your form, our Acceleration Program Manager will contact you.
 

Other questions?

If you have additional questions, reach out to glenna@lighthouselabsrva.com.

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Mentor with Lighthouse Labs

Areas of expertise/experience: Select all that apply.
Key Industry Experience: Select All that Apply

Code of Conduct*

Lighthouse Labs does not compensate mentors. Mentors are valued volunteers at Lighthouse, and as such, should not treat their mentorship as a means for building their client base. Mentors are not allowed to solicit for products or services while participating with Lighthouse Labs. When our accelerator program ends, it is up to the mentor and mentee to define what that relationship looks like moving forward. If Lighthouse Labs staff is made aware of any mentor soliciting a team during the program, they will immediately be terminated as a Lighthouse Labs mentor. Mentors play a crucial role in guiding and supporting startups, ensuring their success while also maintaining strict confidentiality to safeguard the innovative ideas and sensitive information shared during the mentoring process. Any breach of confidentiality, by sharing sensitive information from the participating companies, will result in immediate termination from their mentoring role.

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