Grow to Scale

The Grow to Scale Mentor Program connects Rev1 clients who are women and entrepreneurs of color with experienced, culturally competent executive mentors who can support their growth and help them to achieve their full potential.
Mentorship is essential for startup founders to advance new ideas, develop creative approaches to address evolving conditions, and launch scalable businesses.
However, women and entrepreneurs of color often lack access to culturally-appropriate mentors, peer groups, and active networks.

Mentored startups grow 3.5x faster and raise 7x more money*

How does the program work?

The Grow to Scale Mentor Program provides access to a network of experienced, diverse executives who provide one-on-one support, advice, and networking for diverse founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. Rev1 pairs diverse startup clients with a team of two mentor executives who provide access to a wealth of knowledge, experience and personal networks that to give our clients the support they need to reach their business milestones. Clients are matched for a six-month engagement period within which they will meet 2-4 times per month with their mentor team.

The weekly mentor sessions work in tandem with the client’s Rev1 Advisor to leverage Rev1’s resources and services
Mentors provide advice and guidance on issues such as product development, team building, market segmentation, fundraising pathways, and effective governance principles
Mentors make relevant connections through their professional networks
Rev1 offers additional cohort education and peer networking opportunities throughout the program

Who is a fit for the program?

The Grow to Scale Mentor Program is available to all current Rev1 clients with diverse leadership – either women or entrepreneurs of color.
Businesses must be tech-enabled and have high-growth potential at the pre-seed or seed stage.
If you are a diverse founder working on a tech-enabled, high-growth idea and are interested in support from Rev1, please fill out our Get Started form to get connected and learn more.

Interested in becoming a mentor?

We’re looking for experienced executives with
  • Expertise and passion for working with pre-seed and seed-stage startups, especially in IT-related industries such as healthcare-IT, enterprise software solutions, and data analytics and decision support.
  • Ability to provide up to 8 hours of paid mentorship activities per month.
  • Willingness to commit to a minimum of one, six-month mentorship relationship with a Rev1 client.
Contact Us

Meet Our Mentors

David Boone

Co-Founder & CEO at BlendEd Cleveland, OH

Learn more about David Boone
Catherine Brown

Inventor and Chief Trainer at EXTRABOLD Sales Houston, TX

Learn more about Catherine Brown
Gary Cao

Vice President, Enterprise Data and Analytics at Akron Children’s Hospital Cleveland, OH

Learn more about Gary Cao
Ron Carter

Chief Executive Officer at RXBridge

Learn more about Ron Carter
Diane Dagefoerde

Executive Mentor & Coach Columbus, OH

Learn more about Diane Dagefoerde
Faye Hayes

CEO at Hayes & Co. LLC Richmond, CA

Learn more about Faye Hayes
Claudia Herrington

Senior Director of Compliance at JobsOhio Columbus, OH

Learn more about Claudia Herrington
Craig M. Chavis Jr

Executive Coach at Cre8ive Craig LLC Columbus, OH

Learn more about Craig M. Chavis Jr
Navi Kang

CEO & Founder at Northpeak Columbus, OH

Learn more about Navi Kang
Rajeev Malik

Partner at Pixel Perfect Ventures Washington, D.C.

Learn more about Rajeev Malik
Karen Posey

Founder & Managing Partner at KP Strategies Denver, Colorado

Learn more about Karen Posey
Vikram Shanbhag

Executive Vice President, Americas at Route Mobile Limited Columbus, OH

Learn more about Vikram Shanbhag
Kate Visconti

Founder & CEO of Five to Flow San Diego, CA

Learn more about Kate Visconti

*Source: Startup Genome

The Grow to Scale Mentor Program is funded in part by a grant from the Economic Development Agency through the Build to Scale Venture Challenge.