Startup Coaches, Events, and Resources

Having founded four companies, I’ve experienced the full spectrum of the entrepreneurial journey—one exit, bootstrapping two ventures, and raising over €1 billion in funding throughout my career. In 2019, I launched the first-ever Techstars accelerator in Italy, which quickly became one of the network’s top-performing programs. My portfolio companies have raised over $100 million post-program, with five successful acquisitions. As an investor, mentor, and executive coach, I focus on early-stage B2B companies (and sometimes B2C) across various industries, supporting the most ambitious founders worldwide. My own founder experience in Germany and Southeast Asia has equipped me to understand and guide entrepreneurs on their path to success, and I've backed companies in the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Most founders don't fail because their idea was bad. They fail because no one around them knew how to build the machine behind it. That's the gap I close. Hey - I'm James. I help founders build operating models, sharpen GTM strategy, and execute like a firm - without the firm price tag. My background is BCG, Accenture, and Goldman Sachs but I coach from the founder side of the table, not the consulting deck. I'll help you: ▪️Build your operating model before you scale and lock in bad habits ▪️Structure your go-to-market, org design, or fundraising narrative with investor-grade rigor ▪️Pressure-test your strategy the way a board or investor would ▪️Turn your vision into a 30/60/90-day roadmap you can actually execute I've been a founder. I know what it feels like when everything is on fire and the deck is due Thursday. Let's build something that holds.

Hi everyone! With over two decades of experience in the startup ecosystem, I have a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs and companies thrive. As the founder of multiple accelerator programs, including the highly-competitive USC startup accelerator and Hong Kong's first funded accelerator, I've guided over 3000 companies across diverse industries such as AI, edtech, and healthtech. My expertise lies in strategic growth, market entry, and improving unit economics, having helped startups raise over $350M and achieve successful exits. Additionally, as an adjunct professor at USC, I teach courses on growth marketing and venture initiation, making complex concepts accessible. Let's work together to turn your startup vision into reality. Reach out to get started!

I've spent my career at the intersection of technical depth and human complexity, and that's exactly where the most pressing founder challenges live. My background spans three years as Chief of Staff at Khosla Ventures, six years in the Army Special Forces, and a joint MBA/MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford with a focus on AI and quantum computing. I've worked with dozens of founders at all stages, from bootstrapped through Series A and beyond, on all aspects of the founder journey: company formation, finding PMF, pivoting, fundraising, hiring, and scaling. Drawing on my experience operating as part of high-performing teams in high-stakes environments, I also help founders skillfully navigate the challenges that don't show up in pitch decks but derail companies anyway — cofounder conflict, role confusion, and communication breakdowns. For founders with deep technical backgrounds, my training in physics and engineering and three years inside a deep tech VC firm means I actually understand what you're building, and the identity shift that comes when a researcher steps into the CEO role.

I’ve worked across multiple startups, helping founders build products, hire early teams, design systems, and make decisions in the middle of chaos. I’ve taken on fractional executive roles, built AI-enabled workflows, shaped product and go-to-market strategy, and supported teams through the messy but important zero-to-one stages. My background blends strategy, operations, product thinking, and real hands-on execution — which means I can help you work through whatever you’re facing as a founder. My coaching focuses on clarity, momentum, and sustainable decision-making. Whether you’re validating an idea, building an MVP, sharpening your GTM, navigating early hiring, or trying to scale yourself as a leader, I help you break things down, see the blind spots, and move forward with a plan that actually works. You get a mix of strategic thought partnership and practical operator-level support.

As an entrepreneur with a proven record of scaling companies from inception to multimillion-dollar valuations, I have led ventures in robotics, life sciences, and sustainable technologies. My leadership experience spans: Founding two companies with a combined valuation increase of 30x, raising over $25M in financing. Securing 6 successful exits through IPOs and M&A, driving cumulative valuations exceeding $600M. Developing global business strategies, managing cross-border teams, and establishing partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Holding MBA credentials with honors from Columbia Business School and a Forbes recognition for outstanding entrepreneurship. My clients gain access to: Practical strategies for fundraising, scaling, and market penetration. Expertise in navigating international business landscapes, particularly in AI, robotics, and ESG-driven ventures. Tailored guidance to achieve their unique entrepreneurial goals.

I built a startup from scratch, solo, through to launch. I made mistakes and learned a lot, but I wish I'd had someone to help me navigate the mental side of it. Spinning multiple plates day after day is exhausting. The decisions never stop, the pressure doesn't let up, and there's rarely anyone in your corner who genuinely understands what that feels like. Having a voice of reason to help manage workload, stress and priorities would have been invaluable. That's exactly what I offer now. Although I primarily work with financial traders, the overlap is significant. Both worlds demand the same thing, showing up and performing, day after day, regardless of what yesterday looked like.

Welcome to my profile! With an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School and extensive experience in advising and leading product growth at various startups, I am passionate about helping startup founders achieve their goals. I have successfully guided 18 entrepreneurs through the complexities of product market fit, go-to-market strategies, and monetization, leveraging my expertise as a CPO/SVP of Product & UX. My hands-on experience includes advising AI and SaaS startups, improving trial-to-paid conversions, and launching innovative products. Whether you're looking to refine your product strategy or accelerate growth, I'm here to help you navigate the startup landscape. Let's connect and take your startup to the next level!

I provide independent strategy, solutions, and coaching for entrepreneurs so they can grow their businesses to the next level. I am passionate about working with innovative entrepreneurs and startups to develop unique strategies to grow and fund their businesses. Whether you are a startup on the track for traditional venture-capital financing or an entrepreneur on a more offbeat path, I can collaborate with you to develop and implement a creative and practical strategy for success. I also mentor and coach with a number of organizations that develop startups including Techstars Los Angeles, the Preccelerator, and the Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics, working with their portfolio companies as they prepare to present to investors. In addition, I have advised entrepreneurial programs at schools including the Incubator School, Marlborough School, and Project ECHO. For seven years, I ran the coaching program at Women Founders Network, an accelerator that connects women building high-growth businesses with the tools and resources they need to achieve business success. Since 2013, WFN alumnae have raised over $100 million in funding. If I look familiar, it may be because I speak regularly on issues related to startups, tech and women in business and have appeared in publications including The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, Inc.com, Fortune, CNBC, StartupNation, Women 2.0, and GenHERation.

Entrepreneur & VC investor turned executive coach. Went through the founder journey myself, from incubating an idea at a Stanford class, to customer discovery and early prototyping + MVP development, getting early traction, raising angel checks, putting together a core team, and launching => after a couple pivots built to 10M USD revenue while operating in five countries. Was backed by elite investors like Founders Fund. While at Stanford, was a student of Steve Blank's, the creator of the "Lean Startup Approach", in his class "The Lean Launchpad". Certified coach under the Co-Active Training Institute, Upbuild, and the Aletheia Advanced Coaching Training program. Have personally guided over a hundred people in exploring venture capital and entrepreneurship, as well as in general career coaching. I would love to meet you and hear about your goals. Please feel free to reach out if interested in exploring further.