Venture Coaching

workshop conversation.

With the help of our free and confidential services, Startup and Innovation CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad provides support in developing your innovative capacity. We offer individualized mentorship and guidance as well as support for technical needs.

When you work with The CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad team, you can be sure your ideas are protected. All of our venture coaches and software and design coaches are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and a confidentiality agreement.

Venture Coaches

Receive FREE, confidential, one-on-one mentoring and support from The CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad’s network of venture coaches. Our coaches are ready to help move your idea forward with assistance that's perfect for individuals or startups at any stage, in any industry. Whether you're creating a business model canvas, starting the customer discovery process, prepping a pitch deck for a competition - or just need some feedback, we've got you covered.

Software and Design Coaches

Tap into The CoLab powered by Blackstone LaunchPad’s team of talented, tech-minded individuals. Our software and design coaches are here to help in the following areas: website hosting, website development, coding, logo design, app creation, search engine optimization (SEO), prototyping and more. These student volunteers are prepared to consult with you on your venture’s technical needs.

Experts-in-Residence

Do you need specific expertise for your venture? Tap into Blackstone LaunchPad's team of talented Experts-in-Residence. We offer one-on-one mentorship with external coaches from the community that have a specific focus. We have experts ready to assist you in:

  • Finance and accounting
  • Amazon selling and e-commerce
  • Medical devices and healthcare
  • Securing capital
  • Sales and marketing
  • ...and more!

Are you looking for legal advice for your venture? We've got you covered there too! Get access to UB's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic for all of your venture's legal needs.

How It Works

  • Sign up. Schedule an appointment with our office. You have the option of meeting with a venture coach or software and design fellow.
  • Initial intake discussion. Review the prelaunch questionnaire that is emailed with your appointment confirmation. This is to serve as a guide and get you thinking outside the box about your idea. You will then meet with one of our professional staff.
  • Fire up the engines! Depending on how far along it has progressed, your coach may connect you with others at the university to help move your idea forward. They’ll develop a plan for next steps and determine the best way to get your idea off the ground.
  • Mission: startup. The goal of subsequent meetings with your coach is to continue developing the idea, create a business plan and locate appropriate resources. At this stage, you will also be encouraged to create a one-minute pitch.