Program Overview:

The Los Angeles Venture Association seeks to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Southern California region by creating a Startup Mill program. The Startup Mill invites highest-potential student/faculty led startups from 10 local universities, as well as select non-university ventures, to receive top-tier mentoring and entrepreneurial support from LAVA and partner resources.

The Startup Mill seeks to match participating startups with seasoned executives and entrepreneurs who can provide mentorship or interim/permanent C-level executive leadership for the startups. Under this program, young companies avoid common pitfalls and receive experienced business leadership to fund, grow and scale the venture.

Program Benefits + Details:

The Startup Mill will provide the selected startups valuable incubation and acceleration services, including access to:

• A pool of 10-12 skilled entrepreneurs and seasoned executives who can provide mentorship or interim/permanent C-level management and subject matter expertise
• Matching with LAVA and partner resources to advance venture development
• Startup workshops, training and mentoring sessions
• Pitch opportunities to angel groups and special LAVA cohorts upon investment readiness.

The Startup Mill model was pioneered by Arizona State University’s technology transfer arm, AzTE, and will be based at the ASU California Center in Santa Monica. The center will serve as a hosting area for startup co-working activities and a physical hub for Startup Mill mentors and entrepreneurs in residence. Quarterly networking and pitch events will be held at various locations around Los Angeles.