Recently, Mentor Kevin Vela responded to some brief interview questions about mentorship & startups. Check out his responses below!
What was the most important thing a mentor ever did for you?
Taught me that being a mentor is a responsibility for any maturing mentee.
What do you think a mentor can do for a startup? How can a mentor help?
There are so many obstacles that a startup will face, it’s reassuring to have someone help you sort through the important and unimportant ones. A good mentor can speak from experience and help calm the storm. I think a good mentor steers, but doesn’t drive.
What kind of startups and technologies do you currently find interesting?
I love cutting edge technologies, but I’m more fascinated by disruptions in traditional industries.
What is the most important part of a company’s application when applying to an accelerator and why? Product description and design, market opportunity analysis, sales and marketing plan, team biographies, or something else?
I’m guessing that competition will be fierce, but I think that overall presentation and preparation will speak volumes. Ideas are easy, execution is hard.
Kevin Vela is a Founding Partner of Vela | Keller P.C.