🤔 Struggling to find mentors? You’re not alone.
A biotech founder messaged me recently with something that really stuck:
“Everyone I reach out to is too busy, already advising a company, or just doesn’t reply.”
I’ve heard versions of this from founders across industries tech, medtech, clean energy, climate, even SaaS.
The story is usually the same:
You’re building something meaningful.
You know you need the guidance.
You’re doing the outreach.
And… crickets.
At first, I didn’t know what to tell him. I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors but I also know how hard it can be to get that first “yes.”
So I sat with it for a few days and started thinking:
What if we approached mentor-finding more intentionally like a discovery process, not a lottery?
Here are 3 practical ways I suggested to him that you can use today:
1️⃣ Search for “mentor” or “EIR” keyword in your industry on LinkedIn
(EIR = Entrepreneur in Residence)
People who have mentored before are much more likely to do it again. They already have the instinct to give back, and they’ve carved out time for it in the past.
Here’s a filtered search for biotech + medtech:
🔍 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲
Tip: When you reach out, don’t just say “I’d love your mentorship.” Be clear:
Why them?
What do you admire about their journey?
What kind of support are you hoping for?
2️⃣ Look through Techstars mentor directories
Even if you’re not in Techstars, many of their mentors are open to new conversations.
Most of them are former founders, investors, or operators who believe in ecosystem-building.
They’re used to quick “mentor sessions” and often happy to engage if your ask is clear and concise.
3️⃣ Browse incubator websites in your niche
A little more manual, but incredibly valuable.
Most incubators and accelerators list their mentors, advisors, and experts-in-residence on their websites.
These folks are already helping startups like yours and tend to be generous with time especially if you’re in an adjacent field.
Try this with life sciences incubators, university labs, regional innovation centers, etc.
🧭 Final thoughts
Mentorship isn’t just about finding someone with experience. It’s about finding someone aligned with your journey, your values, and your willingness to grow.
When you reach out:
✅ Be clear about your ask
✅ Show that you’ve done your homework
✅ Keep it light start with a single conversation, not a long-term commitment
And remember: it’s OK to follow up. It’s OK if some people never respond.
✨ The right mentor might just be a few messages away. Don’t stop reaching.
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