Empowering Startups Through the Power of Mentorship
At the heart of Edu Challenger, an innovative EdTech accelerator powered by Startup Lithuania and led by xEdu and Civitta, lies a commitment to training the next generation of education technology pioneers. While funding, resources, and workshops are vital components of the program, it is the power of mentors that truly sets Edu Challenger apart.
Mentorship is the cornerstone of the accelerator, providing startups with invaluable guidance, insights, and connections. The program boasts an impressive lineup of mentors, including:
Colin Magee: Founder of Product Vectors Consulting and Entrepreneur in Residence at LearnLaunch Accelerator, leading Product-Market Fit sessions for edtech startups.
Niina Halonen: PhD Researcher in University of Helsinki, with expertise in pedagogical innovation for edtech ventures.
Colin Brown: Founder of Capability Brown, bringing expertise in strategic growth and innovation.
Will Cardwell: Partner at Courage Ventures, specializing in venture capital and startup scaling.
Patrick Collins: Founder of Prospect Labs, with a focus on marketing and customer acquisition.
Estève Pannetier: an internationally recognized expert in conscious communication, design thinking, and storytelling.
Aape Pohjavirta: Founder of Funzi, a pioneer in mobile learning solutions and pitching coach.
Donatas Jonikas: specialist in marketing opportunity studies, strategy development, action and implementation planning, and performance monitoring.
What makes Edu Challenger mentors truly special is their extensive experience and deep-rooted expertise in the EdTech sector. Having worked within the industry for years, they possess an intimate understanding of its intricacies, challenges, and opportunities.
In addition to these mentors, Edu Challenger engages experienced EdTech founders and xEdu alumni to guide new founders through the challenges of building and scaling their startups. This peer-to-peer mentorship fosters a sense of community and shared learning, creating a supportive environment where startups can thrive.
The program also connects participants with a network of EdTech-focused investors, such as Brighteye Ventures, Educapital and others, opening doors to funding opportunities and strategic partnerships. This holistic approach ensures that startups not only receive the tools they need to succeed but also the mentorship and connections to navigate the competitive EdTech landscape.