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Overview

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program at UPenn's VentureLab provides student entrepreneurs with access to seasoned entrepreneurial professionals for mentorship and guidance. Since its inception in fall 2001, the program has served over 1,700 Penn students seeking one-on-one advice from successful entrepreneurs. VentureLab is a partnership among Wharton School, Penn Engineering, and the Weitzman School of Design creating a consolidated startup ecosystem. EIRs bring diverse business backgrounds and provide tailored advice at various entrepreneurial stages, from exploratory phases through scaling. The Venture Initiation Program (VIP) specifically enlists experienced entrepreneurs to mentor student teams, with interactive workshops and personalized sessions complementing classroom learning.

Investment focus

The EIR Program aims to foster entrepreneurship among Penn students by providing them with mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. It addresses the need for practical guidance and support in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, enhancing students' skills and confidence.

Program details

Designed for Students, Founders. The program is in person. Participation is generally unknown.

Who it is for

Penn students at any stage of entrepreneurial journey (exploratory, launching, or scaling); members of student startup teams; aspiring founders.

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for UPenn VentureHub Entrepreneur in Residence Program

Admissions and application

The program is open to all Penn students at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey, including those who are exploratory, launching, or scaling.

Benefits

Participants gain direct access to successful entrepreneurs, one-on-one mentorship sessions, practical business advice, workshops and training, network access to alumni entrepreneurs, and integrated support across engineering, design, and business perspectives.

Timeline

The program operates year-round, with specific session lengths varying.

What came of it

Over 1,700 students have benefited from the program since 2001, leading to improved business strategies, execution, and stronger startup teams.

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

What it pays

This program does not provide any financial compensation to participants.

Questions about this program

What do EIRs do?

EIRs mentor VIP students and support student teams through workshops and personalized one-on-one sessions. A 2021 announcement also described office hours and advising or mentoring for early-stage ventures.

Who was eligible to serve as an EIR?

A 2021 Venture Lab announcement said EIR roles were open to all Penn alumni. The available sources do not confirm current eligibility.

About University of Pennsylvania Venture Lab

University of Pennsylvania Venture Lab

Lists that include this program

From public sources

What the sources say about UPenn VentureHub Entrepreneur in Residence Program

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