The Startup School and its legacy of mentoring: from the orange t-shirt to the black t-shirt
A mentor is someone who has gone through similar experiences and knows the best path to achieving the success we seek in the shortest possible time.
In this sense, startup accelerators play a crucial role by providing training and mentoring programs to help entrepreneurs develop their ideas and turn them into successful projects. In our Startup School program, in addition to offering entrepreneurship training, we also provide the opportunity to obtain feedback from experts and bring highly experienced mentors to the accelerated startups.
In this article, we'd like to share an example of the mentoring journey in Tetuan Valley and its impact on startups.
The Startup School: a space for training and mentoring
Every year at Tetuan Valley, we launch the free Startup School training and mentoring program, where a group of promising entrepreneurs are selected to participate in an intensive learning program. Over several weeks, participants have access to training resources and the opportunity to connect with expert industry mentors.
The legacy of students: from graduates to mentors.
One of the distinctive features of Startup School is its focus on the continued development of its students, even after completing the program. Once entrepreneurs graduate from Startup School, they are awarded an orange T-shirt, a symbol of their dedication and success in the program. However, this is just the beginning of their journey as members of the Tetuan Valley community.
After graduating, entrepreneurs are invited to continue participating in training as mentors for future Startup School cohorts. This transition from student to mentor is an enriching experience for both the graduates and the startups that will benefit from their experience and knowledge. Once alumni become mentors, they receive a black T-shirt, recognizing their new role as guides and support for emerging entrepreneurs.
The importance of mentors in the startup ecosystem
Mentors play a vital role in the success of startups, providing a unique perspective and advice based on their prior experience. By sharing their knowledge and providing guidance, they help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and maximize their growth opportunities. Mentors can also offer a valuable network of contacts and connections that can open doors to additional resources and funding opportunities.
The mentoring structure established by Startup School fosters a culture of support and collaboration within the startup ecosystem. Mentors act as catalysts for growth and play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of successful entrepreneurs. By utilizing their experience and knowledge gained throughout their journey, mentors can help startups navigate challenges and reach their full potential.
The symbolic value of T-shirts
Presenting orange and black t-shirts to graduates and mentors, respectively, is not only a symbolic act, but also a tradition that has taken root in the Orange community since its founding in 2009. These t-shirts have become a symbol of the entrepreneurs' commitment and dedication to continuous learning and growth.
The orange t-shirt, awarded to graduates, represents their initial step on the path to success and is a tangible reminder of the skills and knowledge acquired during their participation in the Startup School program. Furthermore, the orange t-shirt also creates a sense of community among alumni, who can recognize each other at startup-related events and conferences.
On the other hand, the black T-shirt, awarded to mentors, represents a new stage in their professional career. It symbolizes their commitment to helping other entrepreneurs achieve success and exemplifies the experience and wisdom accumulated throughout their careers . By receiving the black T-shirt, mentors join an exclusive community of guides and leaders who play a fundamental role in shaping the future of the startup ecosystem.
Gema, Vitori, and Lorena are living testimony to how the Women4Cyber Startup School transforms not only startups but also the people who are part of this entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their participation in the 2022 edition, where they successfully graduated alongside their own startups, marked the beginning of their exciting entrepreneurial journey.
What makes their story even more inspiring is their commitment and passion for contributing to the program's growth. In the following edition, they not only returned as mentors, but also offered their valuable knowledge and experience in every pitch and feedback session, as well as on the mentor day. They also provided support to the startups that approached them for guidance.
"As a mentor, I've been able to share my knowledge and prior experience with other entrepreneurs, helping them avoid common pitfalls and maximizing their growth opportunities. It's truly rewarding to see how doing our part can make a difference in their entrepreneurial journeys. The orange and black t-shirts represent our commitment to continuous learning and growth that we share as part of this community. I'm deeply grateful for this experience that has helped me build my confidence. Without a doubt, this program has made a significant difference in my life, and I'm excited to continue being part of this community that contributes so much to the growth and success of women entrepreneurs in cybersecurity, " says Lorena Ionescu, a graduate of the inaugural Women4cyber Startup School.
For her part, Gema Diaz García tells us, “Participating in Women4cyber Startup School together with Tetuan Valley has been an unforgettable experience. They accompanied us in our EDUCASEC project from the idea to its shape. My colleagues and I learned a lot in the 1st Edition with all the mentorships and also with the feedback from the pitch. Finally, this year as a mentor I have loved listening to the companies and projects of the 2nd edition, being able to give them my feedback and continue growing in the world of cybersecurity and women, because together we will reach higher levels.”
Their evolution from entrepreneurs to mentors clearly reflects the positive impact the Women4Cyber Startup School has on the ecosystem. These success stories are a constant reminder of how the program not only fosters the development of leading cybersecurity startups but also empowers the people behind them.
Conclusion
The transition from graduates to mentors, marked by the presentation of orange and black T-shirts, reflects Tetuan Valley's philosophy of fostering collaboration and mutual support within its community.
The orange t-shirt award celebrates graduates' achievements and their preparedness to face entrepreneurial challenges. The black t-shirt, on the other hand, recognizes mentors as influential and valuable figures in the startup ecosystem. Ultimately, this tradition and focus on mentorship continues to strengthen Startup School's impact and contributes to the creation of a thriving and collaborative entrepreneurial community.
