Entrepreneurs in Residence

Without a doubt the single most important variable to a new venture is the quality of the management and leadership. Although a strong advisor group can go a long way to strengthen a new venture – it can not replace an experienced and proven manager involved in the day to day decision process.

Entrepreneurs in Residence are senior executives who have been successful entrepreneurs and who would typically serve as interim team leaders of start-up ventures. They may accept a permanent management role or simply choose to assist in recruiting a management team once the feasibility of the new venture is confirmed. Some might also serve as early stage investors in the new venture.

The goals of this initiative are to help the community at Washington University and the St. Louis region:

• Create valuable learning opportunities for students
• Retain researchers and innovation talent
• Increase the number of start-up ventures
• Increase the probability of success of new ventures
• Develop a network of successful entrepreneurs

The benefits to the Entrepreneur in Residence;

• Opportunity to help educate the next generation of entrepreneurs
• Exposure to innovative new start-up ventures
• Networking with other successful entrepreneurs
• Investment opportunities

The time commitment for an Entrepreneur in Residence is about one day a week, by phone or in person. It is important that some of the interaction happens in person so individuals who can not spend some time on campus should consider a mentor or advisor role.

Unlike a Mentor or Advisor, Entrepreneurs in Residence are made available to the student body and collaborative opportunities can be initiated directly with the Entrepreneur in Residence. Entrepreneurs in Residence are provided access to private office (shared with other Entrepreneurs in Residence) at the Skandalaris Center, conference room, phone and a Washington University email and business card.