Mentors & Judges

The Role of the Mentor

Mentors are experienced leaders or investors in startup companies in the discipline area of the Equalizer (e.g., medical technologies, therapeutics, physical science technologies, digital tools).

Equalizers are matched with a field-specific mentor to meet with for six months and dig into the business idea. Mentorship activities include:

• Helping Equalizers understand a business and business model
• Providing advice on setting up a pitch deck
• Offering pitching advice
• Providing networking connections
• Aiding the Equalizer in identifying barriers to success
• Empowering the Equalizer and enhancing her confidence

Time Commitment

Mentors meet with their Equalizer for at least one hour per month January through June of the program year, and possibly more often closer to the pitch competition.

There are two 45-minute sessions with fellow mentors to exchange information on best practices and ask for connections from the Equalize Startups network that may be of use to mentees.

New in 2025

Equalize “Mentors on Call” Program

In 2025, Equalize seeks to enhance its mentorship program by creating a “Mentors on Call” cohort (“MoCs”). These MoCs will supplement the one-on-one mentorship received by the Equalizers. While one-on-one mentorship is extremely valuable to the Equalizers, one mentor is not necessarily an expert in all of the areas for which the Equalizer may need advice or connections. The MoCs provide information on their areas of expertise and agree to help the Equalizer on an ad hoc basis. The time commitment of an individual MoC will vary based on the variability of needs in a given Equalize cohort, with the expectation is that the time commitment will not be more than an hour or two per month between January through June of each year.

If you are interested in becoming an MoC, please fill out this Google form and then a member of the Equalize Mentors committee will follow up with you to discuss your interest and answer any questions you may have.