Startup Mentor

Role overview

Founder Institute Singapore is seeking seasoned founders, operators, investors, and subject-matter specialists who want to contribute to the development of the next wave of early-stage entrepreneurs.

As a mentor within the Founder Institute Singapore community, you will help founders pressure-test ideas, improve their decision-making, avoid common pitfalls, and establish stronger businesses from the start.

This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity for people who care about entrepreneurship, ecosystem development, and supporting the startup community.

What you will do

• Coach early-stage founders and offer practical, actionable feedback.
• Share insights gained through your own experience as a founder, operator, investor, or industry specialist.
• Guide founders on customer validation, go-to-market planning, fundraising, product direction, strategy, operations, and leadership.
• Take part in selected Founder Institute Singapore sessions in roles such as mentor, speaker, panelist, or reviewer.
• Contribute to a trusted environment for ambitious founders and experienced mentors.

Who the role is suited for

• Founders, former founders, startup operators, angel investors, venture capital professionals, product leaders, corporate innovators, and domain experts.
• Professionals with hands-on experience in building, scaling, investing in, or advising startups.
• People who communicate clearly, give constructive feedback, and are comfortable challenging founders in a thoughtful way.
• Mentors who recognize that early-stage founders need both encouragement and honest, reality-based guidance.

Areas of expertise that are useful

• Startup strategy and business model validation.
• Fundraising and investor readiness.
• Product management and product-market fit.
• Go-to-market execution, sales, marketing, and partnerships.
• Specialized knowledge in AI, healthtech, fintech, edtech, deeptech, sustainability, or similar sectors.
• Experience in legal, finance, HR, operations, leadership, or governance.

Commitment

This is a flexible volunteer position. Mentors may contribute through selected events, office hours, judging sessions, fireside chats, workshops, or founder feedback sessions.

Why join

• Contribute to Singapore’s startup ecosystem.
• Work closely with ambitious early-stage founders.
• Build relationships with other mentors, investors, operators, and ecosystem contributors.
• Help develop the next generation of founders in Singapore.