Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Syracuse University

Join the thrilling sphere of VC startup scouting and experience first hand the energy of fresh innovation. Enjoy the privilege of spotting potential unicorns before they rise. All while developing dynamic business insights and expanding your professional network.

About

Syracuse University has a supportive and thriving startup ecosystem. The university's Blackstone LaunchPad powers the entrepreneurial network on campus, providing students with the necessary tools and mentorship to transform ideas into viable businesses.

The Blackstone LaunchPad offers programs and events such as the Raymond von Dran (RvD) iPrize pitch competion and the Panasci Business Plan competition which motivate students to innovate and build businesses. These competitions have helped launch startups like SparkCharge, founded by Syracuse student Joshua Aviv, which develops portable, fast charging stations for electric cars.

The Syracuse Student Sandbox incubator is another distinctive initiative that gives student entrepreneurs access to resources and experts to help them develop their businesses. Syracuse Student Sandbox has been a stepping stone for many successful startups including PowerSpike, an influencer marketing and analytics platform for Twitch, founded by Syracuse student Angelo Damiano.

Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management is also a significant contributor to the startup ecosystem offering courses in entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises. The school has given rise to several well-known entrepreneurs such as the co-founder of the startup acquisition marketplace MicroAcquire, Andrew Gazdecki.

Notable alumni from the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem include Kayla Simon and Elizabeth Tarangelo, founders of the medical technology startup In-Spire, which has created a wearable inhaler for asthmatics. They were recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 in healthcare for their innovative contribution.

In conclusion, Syracuse University continues to foster a vibrant environment for startups, with a vast array of resources, mentorship programs and competitions, fueling the growth of innovative businesses, be it in the tech space, medical field, or otherwise.

As a Scout, You Can...

Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Unlock the potential of Syracuse University's innovators and startups. Connect with us to receive exclusive dealflow opportunities in this growing hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

Podcaster

Do you interview founders & startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview →

Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next to→

Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event →

Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHD student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university →

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