Entrepreneur In Residence, USC and Techstars University Catalyst

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The Techstars Talent Acquisition Team

Overview

As an Entrepreneur In Residence (EIR) for our University Catalyst Program, you will help shape the next amazing batch of early-stage startups as they grow from pre-accelerator to accelerator level companies. You will have the opportunity to work with the incredible Techstars network of team members, mentors, investors, and advisors who are coming alongside startups with incredible potential. You will play an integral part in executing Techstars virtual programs, in-person events and preparing founders to thrive during these engagements with the local and broader startup community.

It’s a chance to build on your experience, broaden your network, pour into eager founders, and get exposure to some of the greatest teams and partners in the country.

General Job Description

We are looking for an experienced, empathetic EIR with an engaging approach to help guide our University Catalyst participants through our upcoming fall program. An existing depth of experience in and connection to the world of tech entrepreneurship, startups, and venture capital is critical. The candidate should be able to make an immediate contribution to the startup companies in the program with little to no learning curve or training based on their own experience as a founder. This is a great short-term transitional role for an entrepreneur who has had a recent exit, is "between startups", or is semi-retired but still desires to make an impact in the startup ecosystem. Ideally this candidate loves getting involved in different aspects of storytelling, design, and communications.

This program is subject matter agnostic and will include founders from a variety of fields and backgrounds. Our EIR must be interested in supporting diverse and traditionally underserved founders. 

This is a part-time, primarily remote 3.5 month contract position from September to November 2024. Location in the Pacific Time zone is preferred. Time commitment is 15-20 hours a week with additional hours expected for in-person events. Travel required for in-person components.

Role and Responsibilities

An EIR’s main responsibilities consist of:

• Work alongside the Program Lead and Operations Associate to support 20 founders with their businesses. This assistance could include customer discovery and development, business model, marketing, product/market fit, financials, pitch coaching and more.
• Meet regularly with all program participants, identifying and documenting needs, road-blocks, and success stories, giving valuable input as an experienced founder, and helping to make connections or introductions.
• Assist all program participants in the creation and refinement of their pitch decks with special attention focused toward storytelling, brand, and design. This assistance could include pitch deck reviews, pitch design workshops, pitch design coaching and more. 
• Help connect founders to the mentors in our program mentor pool. Help facilitate consistent founder/mentor relationships during the cohort. 
• Attend and assist with masterclasses and pitch feedback as-needed, (facilitation, moderation, pitch analysis and counsel, etcetera). 
• Other activities or deliverables that the Program Lead may identify in support of the overall success of the program, including contributions and attendance at up to three in-person events. 

Qualifications

Given the importance of startup mentorship and community building in this position we aim to target entrepreneurial profiles such as: 

• Founders or executives from successful, preferably VC-backed, tech startups.
• Angel or early-stage investors with previous entrepreneur and/or operating experience, as well as interest in deepening their exposure to mentorship and portfolio development.
• Lead and/or active mentors of Techstars or other top tier accelerators.
• Local startup mentors, advisors, or board members.
• A passion and interest in supporting diverse and underserved founders. 
• Understanding and familiarity of pitch deck design. Knowledge and understanding of content and how to translate it into various visual forms of expression. Knowledge that spans visual and brand design.
• Individuals who may be able to assist with mentor and or speaker recruitment for the program.

What we look for in these profiles is:

• Proven relevant experience working directly with tech startups in an operational, advisory, or investor capacity.
• A strong professional network of individuals (investors, mentors, founders) with the background, experience and passion needed to help startups drive toward success.
• Operational experience, preferably in a high-growth technology company or startup. 
• An understanding of the challenges diverse and underserved founders face. 
• A #givefirst attitude toward their community and the individuals they interact with and a passion for helping startups become successful businesses.We think it’s important that the folks who apply are in it for the right reason. The Techstars network and all of our programs were founded around the idea of giving first without expecting a known direct return, and ideal candidates for this position believe that to their core. 

Compensation: $1,500 - $2,000 monthly stipend

About Techstars

Techstars is an investment and innovation group that connects entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and city governments to solve challenges across industries and geographies. We pioneered the accelerator program model in 2006 working toward our vision of a connected global economy of innovation.

Techstars is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental handicaps or disabilities, marital status, Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity nor any other basis prohibited by law.