3 ways having a mentor can set founders up for success

In The Empire Strikes Back, the second movie of the original Star Wars trilogy, Luke Skywalker lands on the planet of Dagobah. There, he encounters Yoda, who eventually becomes one of his key mentors, teaching him the ways of the Jedi and guiding him on his path to becoming a true Jedi master.

Founders, just like Luke, are on their own journey to accomplish a goal, and along the way, it’s important for them to be able to connect with mentors to help them overcome the hurdles that block their path.

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That’s why Tech in Asia School is glad to announce the launch of our Mentorship Program. Through this initiative, we facilitate one-on-one connections between founders and mentors to create avenues for entrepreneurs to learn from those who have gone before and get real insights to power their startup journeys.

As a founder or aspiring founder, you might be wondering: Why do I need a mentor? Here are three ways mentorship can make a difference.

1. Receive the right guidance

Research has shown that entrepreneurs who have good mentors can create great business outcomes. For instance, a study of top-performing tech companies in New York found that 33% of founders who were mentored by successful entrepreneurs went on to become top performers, benefiting from their experiences and connections to build great companies.

Having a mentor can also help founders navigate the uncertainties of startup life, where there are typically no clear answers. Pressing questions are often met with the response of “it depends,” which can be extremely frustrating. Startup how-to books and documentaries are helpful, but actually applying the insights to your own company is no easy feat.

When working with a mentor, founders can get targeted, helpful advice that is directly relevant to their experiences and their companies. Mentors have been there, done that, allowing them to help their mentees drill down and understand what’s going on and provide relevant guidance on how to achieve their goals.

2. Build networks and credibility

Another benefit of having a mentor is their network. As someone who has been around the block once (or several times), mentors have connections that can make a difference.

These relationships can help founders address a wide variety of needs, like sussing out market opportunities, getting management advice, and finding professional service providers. While your guide may not have all the answers, they can link you up with someone who can help.

Plus, having a mentor can help boost your credibility as a startup founder. A survey by Nielsen found that 88% of respondents would trust recommendations from people they know over those they get from any other channel, and this logic translates to the startup world too.

With a mentor in your court, it’s much easier to get doors to open.

3. Have a supporter who knows what’s up

Mentorship also has a crucial role to play in a founder’s well-being. The entrepreneurial journey is a long and exhausting one, and it can sometimes be lonely.

When things get tough, your employees and investors might not be the right people to talk to, as they may be fearful about what these challenges mean for the company. At the same time, while friends and family may be supportive, they don’t quite understand what it’s like to be in your shoes and why you’re putting so much of yourself into your business.

That’s where mentors come in. As someone who has walked this road before, they understand what it’s like to be a founder facing tough times. They also care about you, not just because of your company. Whether you need advice or a listening ear, they’re there for you, and they get it.

A healthy, happy founder will build a healthy, happy company. Don’t underestimate the power of having a support system.

TIA School’s 1:1 Mentorship Program

As we’ve run various iterations of our TIA School programs, we’ve realized that mentorship is a key part of the startup journey. Participants have continually shared that the mentorship they receive is one of their greatest takeaways from their experience, and we’re delighted to now be offering it as a standalone program for our community.

We’ve also amassed a huge network of entrepreneurs and business leaders over the years through the work we do at Tech in Asia, and they’re all eager to give back and support the region’s thriving tech and startup community.

Through the TIA School Mentorship Program, founders and aspiring founders will be matched with a relevant mentor who can help them achieve their goals. If there’s someone specific you’d like to connect with, let us know when you apply, but we’re also glad to help you find a suitable coach from our network.

Mentees will be able to set up regular meetings with their guides to ensure they’re on the right track. We recommend one-hour meetings every other week (adding up to six hours in total), though you’re welcome to figure out another system that works best.

We’ll be conducting regular check-ins as well, just to make sure everything’s going well. But the details are up to you to create the best mentorship experience for yourself.

The program will run over the course of three months and cost US$699. Applications are on a rolling basis – we take in new mentees and start a new cycle of mentorship every month.

Successful applicants will also be a part of Tech in Asia’s Founders Community, where you’ll gain access to programs, workshops, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs in the region.

Ready to find your mentor and achieve your version of Jedi enlightenment? Sign up for the TIA School mentorship program now: