By now, you know that multiple startups have applied to the 6th cohort of Santa Cruz Accelerates. Each week, we will spotlight a few startups that have applied. Ten (10) lucky startups will be accepted and announced in mid-July. If you are a startup, apply by July 14, 2024 APPLY.

Mentors

But wait, there is more to know about our entrepreneurial community. This is a partial list of the successful entrepreneurs who have jumped in to help startups succeed as mentors. If you would like to be a Mentor, apply at: Become a Mentor.

• David Apgar - David brings exceptional skills in funding, finance, forecasting, and valuation. His expertise will be invaluable for startups looking to secure investment and manage their financial growth effectively.

• Brad Barbeau - Director of the CSUMB Institute for Innovation & Economic Development for a decade, has extensive experience working with startups. His primary skills include financial management, financing, digital marketing, and developing marketing and sales strategies.

• Danny Bernstein - GM of Hawktower Ventures, high level exec at Microsoft and Google, successful entrepreneur with deep expertise in funding and networking.

• Saumitra Buragohain - Based in San Ramon, Saumitra is an entrepreneurial executive with over 20 years of experience managing large P&Ls at market-leading companies and founding successful startups. Currently leading a deep-tech AI startup, he holds multiple patents and has contributed to the creation and adoption of the Big Data and Storage Area Network markets.

• Sue Carter - An engineering professor at UCSC and cofounder of several startups, Sue has deep experience with sustainability and green tech startups. Her knowledge will guide new ventures towards environmentally friendly and innovative solutions.

• Dave Evans - Known for his early work at Apple, cofounding Electronic Arts, and founding the Life Design Lab at Stanford, Dave is the mastermind behind Design Methodology. His vast experience in product development and design thinking will inspire startups to innovate and excel.

• Wayne Fenton - excels in software architecture at both high and low levels, DevOps, and operational excellence. His expertise spans IoT and SaaS companies, making them a versatile and valuable contributor to technology-driven organizations.

• Maisie Ganzler - With a lifetime as Chief Strategy & Brand Officer for Bon Appetit Management Company, Maisie is now ready to help with brand-based sustainability in any industry. Her strategic insights will help startups build strong, sustainable brands.

• Scot Herbst - A globally recognized product designer, Scot is here to help our next wave of entrepreneurs. His expertise in product design will be crucial for startups aiming to create impactful and market-ready products.

• Ted Holladay - Who doesn’t know Ted? He is Santa Cruz’s leading designer of all things super cool. His creative genius will help startups develop standout designs and innovative solutions.

• Keith Holtaway - an award-winning Bay Area business consultant with 20 years of success, has transformed clients' ideas into nationally recognized businesses. He develops clear plans for achieving revenue, profit, and cost reduction goals.

• Tanguy Leborgne - Product and General Management Expert with over thirty years of experience in Silicon Valley. Executive positions at Adobe, Avid, and Plantronics.

• Viil Lid - With a broad and deep business and product strategy background, Viil currently leads product design research & strategy at Adobe. As a technology entrepreneur and startup founder, Viil brings full-stack engineering experience and has taught university courses in business, tech, and communications. His PhD in Communications & Information Sciences adds further depth to his mentoring capabilities.

• Jordan Layman - Based in Santa Cruz, Jordan specializes in web development, digital fabrication, 2D design, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC woodworking, and small-scale manufacturing. He owns and operates Idea Fab Labs, a makerspace facility.

• Asbury Lockett - Passionate about entrepreneurship, a Stanford and UC Berkeley graduate, has supported startups through SBDC, founded a training business, and now leads a business asset location service. He is a certified executive coach.

• Gary Macbeth - Strong roots in Santa Cruz as a business owner, investor, and cofounder of Lighthouse Venture Forum, Gary offers an international network that provides commercial and investment benefits. His experience will be a tremendous asset to startups looking to scale and connect globally.

• Niall Macken - Specializing in consumer product design and development, Niall has long worked as a design consultant for startups and companies large and small. His expertise in designing and engineering products for mass production will guide startups in creating successful consumer products.

• Quinn McLaughlin - As the CTO and CEO of several startups, Quinn has extensive expertise in AI. His technical leadership and experience will help startups navigate the complexities of AI and leverage it for their growth.

• Donna Melger - background in both design and supply chain management brings a unique perspective, ensuring a smooth and successful project from concept to launch. Particularly passionate about working with startups and brands that make a positive difference.

• Smeet Mehta - Co-Founder of GetVirtual, training students as freelancers to assist underserved small businesses. Principle at Mehta Ventures Family Office, investing in pre-seed and seed stage startups globally. Former UCSanta Cruz entrepreneurship club leader, guiding teams to Y Combinator and SC Launchpad.

• Morgan Olsen - Based in Santa Cruz, Morgan has 15+ years of experience in leadership and team development. They assist founders and leaders with scaling people operations, aligning teams, and executing strategies. They have worked with startups, SMBs, Fortune 100 companies, NGOs, and social profit businesses. Their expertise includes sales, business development, and scaling a consulting business to $2M annual revenue. Passionate about social change, sustainability, and supporting underserved communities, they offer free initial sessions for founders.

• Marty Picco - Longtime Santa Cruz local. Experience designing and operating content transformation and high traffic website platforms.

• Patrick Reilly - Santa Cruz’s most popular IP lawyer, Patrick has structured and implemented full-spectrum intellectual property strategies for ventures. His work helps startups create competitive barriers and increases their leverage in seeking funding and building strategic partnerships.

• Kenan Rappuchi - Having advised, coached, mentored, and/or retained by over 4500 startups since 1996, Kenan has seen 26 exits and counting. His expertise in B2B go-to-market strategies, partnership development, marketing automation/CRM's (HubSpot, Salesforce), sales enablement, and demand generation will be invaluable for startups looking to grow and succeed.

• Bill Richter - Bill has helped at least half the startups in our area with establishing corporate structures and governance. His legal and business acumen will ensure that startups have a solid foundation to build upon.

• Satish Rishi - extensive experience in financial planning, investor relations, and board development and management, also brings valuable insight from the semiconductor industry.

• Alexi Sevastopoulos - Co-founder of Santa Cruz Ventures and Santa Clara (SCU) Ventures, co-founder of $90M+ rev consulting firm, former electrical engineer, deep background in network architecture, semiconductors, network security, automation software, sales and venture capital.

• Chris Sterbenc - Chris has led sales in early-stage tech companies since 1990, driving go-to-market strategies and revenue growth. His leadership contributed to multiple acquisitions and IPOs, specializing in SaaS and cloud-based models. His areas of expertise include: Security, Inside Sales, MRR, Artificial Intelligence, SaaS, New Business, High Growth, Indirect Channels, Partner Programs, Training.

• Brandon Tinianov - With expertise in BOD, commercialization, R&D, and design, Brandon also excels in intellectual property, joint ventures, public/private partnerships, code/regulatory compliance, and federal government affairs. He is passionate about cleantech and energy transition companies, and he is based in Santa Cruz.

These mentors bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the Santa Cruz Works Accelerator. Their guidance will be instrumental in shaping the future of the startups in our 6th cohort, lighting up the path to success with their expertise and dedication.