What type of technologies/companies are you seeking?
We will select 10+ geothermal energy, produced water treatment, methane conversion, or critical minerals startups based in the U.S. Startups should be in the pre-seed stage and have completed some work on customer discovery and product-market fit.
If I’m still working to bring on a co-founder, am I eligible?
Yes, we encourage anyone with a strong techno-economic basis for their innovation to apply, but preference is given to team-led startups. It’s important that team leads can clarify what roles and skills they will need. In early stages, founders often engage strategic consultants for technology or business development.
How many hours of participation in the program are required?
The online portion of the program takes about 5 hours per week; this includes 2 hours of cohort-based programming, 1-2 hours of customer discovery, and 1-2 hours of independent work. We believe that the more you put into the program, the more you’ll get out of it!
Who are the mentors?
The mentors have backgrounds and experience as founders and industry partners in the science-based innovation and energy-related industries.
- Julie Drapier, Angel Investor and Venture Partner, Suttona Capital
- David Clouse, Managing Director, EIC Rose Rock
- Andrea Course, Venture Capitalist, Digital Innovation at Shell
- Johannes Dyring, Assistant Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Initiatives, Toronto Metropolitan University
- Courtney Gill, Senior Investment Associate, Atento Capital
- Brian Kerns, Angel Investor and Business Advisor, Southwest Angel Network
- Andrew Lackner, Managing Director, Energy Innovation Capital
- Susan Moring, Principal, Cortado Ventures
- DC Palter, Angel Investor and Mentor Lead, Chemical Angel Network
- Kelsey Putman Hughes, Principal and Energy Geoscientist, Sun Wolf Energy
- C.J. Whelan, Serial Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, and Former Executive Director of Rockies Venture Club
Will I have access to work materials?
Yes, all participants will have access to work materials.
Could you give me an overview of the topics we’ll cover?
Here’s a look at the program, which will help you prepare your business model for due diligence:
- Due diligence
- Deep dive into the due diligence process
- The ideal pitch deck
- Milestone planning
- Regulatory pathways
- Corporate partnerships and strategic selling
- Venture math
- Financial projections
- Reimbursements
Are there other program-related costs for the startups?
Yes, you are responsible for your own travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as accommodation costs while attending the in-person portion of the workshop August 7-8.
What are the qualities of a successful application?
Strong candidates will have some validation of product market-fit, have tested initial business model hypotheses, and have made a full-time commitment to their startup.
I haven’t participated in the VentureWell E-Team Program / I am new to VentureWell. Can I still participate?
Yes! While many VentureWell E-Team Program participants do advance through our suite of programs, this program is open to startups that haven’t yet taken part in VentureWell programming.
I have questions about the program and our eligibility. Who should I contact?
Please reach out to Tricia Compas-Markman, director of National Venture Programs, VentureWell.