I mentor founders, first-time operators and people early in their careers at no cost, one or two mentees at a time, as a way of giving back.
Who is it for?
Founders, first-time operators and people early in their careers who are serious about building something. I choose mentees for their integrity and grit, the quality of their business idea and the signs of potential I see in them.
Why do I mentor?
I've had an amazing journey over nineteen years of building businesses, and I made my share of mistakes along the way. Mentoring is how I give back: helping the next generation of founders and operators avoid those mistakes and build on what I've learned.
What's included?
Mentorship is shaped around what you're working on. It can include:
- Honest feedback on your business idea, plan or career path
- Help thinking through decisions on hiring, customers, operations and money
- A sounding board when things get hard
Formats and typical length
- One-on-one calls
- In-person working sessions
- Monthly sessions or weekly recurring virtual sessions
- Ad hoc, when you need it
I take on one or two mentees at a time, so there may be a wait. Mentorships are ongoing or ad hoc; we agree on the rhythm and how long to continue at the start.
Who does the work?
I mentor every mentee personally. Mentorship isn't delivered by the M2 Ventures team, and it's never billed.
How does mentorship start?
- Send a note through the contact form, choosing "Mentorship."
- Tell me who you are, what you're building and what you'd like help with.
- If there's a fit and I have room, we'll set up a first conversation.
Relevant experience
- Nineteen years founding, building and operating businesses, starting with my first business at 18.
- Founder of 5+ businesses; built 12+, scaled 6+ and operated 15+.
- Co-founder and CEO of a venture-backed, multi-state operating company in regulated consumer products, and President of a 100+ person company.
More on my background: Experience and About.
Frequently asked questions
Is mentorship really free?
Yes. Mentorship is at no cost. It's separate from my paid advisory work and carries no obligation to hire me later.
How do you choose mentees?
I look for integrity and grit, the quality of the business idea, and signs of potential. Because I take on only one or two mentees at a time, I can't accept everyone.
How often do we meet?
It depends on what works for both of us: monthly, weekly virtual sessions or ad hoc. We'll agree on a rhythm at the start.
Can a mentorship turn into a paid engagement?
It can, but that's never the purpose. If your company later needs advisory or operating support, we'd agree on a separate, written engagement through M2 Ventures.
Interested? Apply for mentorship