From Accelerator to Success: Lessons from Aidan Kittredge and Techstars Graduates
Editor’s note: The New Tech Ventures Blog is produced by students in the New Technology Ventures course, taught by Assistant Professor of Practice Stephen Brand. The course features tech leaders and entrepreneurs as weekly guest speakers, and students are sharing their insights on the ventures and the experience. This post was written by the team of Carlos Queiros ’25, Alejandro Mejia Urdinola ’25, and Sebas Martinez Duran ’25.
In our recent New Tech Ventures session, we had the privilege of learning from Aidan Kittredge of Techstars and several inspiring founders who have successfully graduated from the Techstars accelerator program. These founders—Eva Weinstein of Rewire Health, Chris Beissel of Ahoi, Daphne Pariser of HeronAI, and Lakshya Daga MBA’23 of TruLeague—brought valuable insights on topics ranging from networking and team building to personal wellness and resilience in the startup world.
Each speaker shared their unique journey and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, giving us a firsthand look at the principles that drive success in the world of tech entrepreneurship. Here are three main takeaways from their session:
1. The Power of Networking
Techstars’ “Give First” philosophy was central to the discussion, with Aidan Kittredge illustrating the importance of building genuine relationships. She emphasized that networking is not about immediate returns but about creating a foundation of trust and mutual support within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
She offered three important pieces of network advice:
- Be proactive: Reaching out thoughtfully and authentically, even through cold messages, can lead to meaningful connections.
- Demonstrate value: Approach each relationship with a clear sense of the value brought to the table.
- Stay sincere in follow-ups: Building relationships is an ongoing process, requiring consistent and genuine follow-through.
Kittredge’s personal journey highlighted the impact of networking with purpose. Her career began with a single phone call that set her on her path in venture capital, underscoring that small, thoughtful actions can create substantial opportunities. This approach to networking reflects a broader ethos within Techstars, where mentors and community members support startups without expecting anything in return.
2. Building the Right Team
The speakers collectively emphasized that assembling an aligned team is often more critical than the initial product itself. Lakshya Daga, founder of TruLeague, spoke on the importance of team intent over expertise, suggesting that building a purpose-driven team fosters resilience in the face of startup challenges.
The qualities of high-impact team members include:
- Passion and alignment with the company’s mission
- Honesty and transparency, essential for building trust within the team
- Flexibility and adaptability to embrace pivots as needed
Techstars’ approach to team building, as explained by Kittredge, prioritizes individuals with a personal connection to the problem being addressed, valuing character over technical credentials. Daphne Pariser from HeronAI echoed this sentiment, highlighting that committed, mission-driven team members bring a unique dedication to the work. For all speakers, the alignment and cohesion within a team often surpasses technical skills as the foundation of a resilient startup.
3. Practical Learning Through Action
Chris Beissel of Ahoi underscored the importance of practical, hands-on experience in building relevant solutions. Ahoi, which focuses on accessibility solutions, was developed by testing and iterating based on real user feedback—a process Beissel strongly advocates for in early-stage startups.
Beissel’s practical insights for entrepreneurs:
- Start with a minimal viable product (MVP) and refine based on feedback.
- Demonstrate progress through tangible traction rather than theoretical models.
- Remain open to pivoting based on market needs and user insights.
Similarly, Eva Weinstein from Rewire Health shared how direct engagement with users has been essential for refining her AI-driven health recommendations platform. This hands-on approach isn’t limited to product development; it instills an adaptable mindset, helping startups respond effectively to changing market demands. Both Beissel’s and Weinstein’s experiences reflect a commitment to practical learning that goes beyond theory and drives meaningful innovation.
Building Ventures with Purpose and Community
Our time with these speakers has left us with a powerful toolkit of insights and strategies. From building intentional networks and fostering cohesive teams to learning by doing and maintaining wellness, each speaker offered invaluable lessons on what it takes to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. Their stories and advice emphasized that while innovation and ambition are critical, they must be balanced with a strong sense of community and purpose.
This session has shifted our perspectives on entrepreneurship, inspiring us to lead with intention and to build ventures that are not only successful but meaningful. We’re grateful for the chance to learn from these accomplished founders and mentors, and we look forward to applying their insights as we shape our own journeys.
Posted in New Tech Ventures Blog
