Why Every Aspiring Founder Needs a Mentor in 2025
- kennylwu
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
The startup world in 2025 is more exciting—and more complex—than ever. The pace of change is accelerating across every industry. AI tools have transformed how we build products. Customer expectations are sky-high. Capital is becoming more selective. And while opportunities abound, the margin for error is shrinking.
At the same time, the barriers to entry have never been lower. With just a laptop and an internet connection, anyone can launch a product. But launching is not the same as building something sustainable.
That’s why mentorship matters more than ever.
Startups in 2025: Opportunity + Uncertainty
In the Greater Bay Area and across Asia, we’re seeing a surge in innovation:
🧠 AI-native startups are redefining productivity
🌏 Sustainability and climate-focused ventures are gaining traction
📦 D2C and creator-led brands are exploding on social media
👩🎓 University students are becoming first-time founders
But many early-stage entrepreneurs struggle with the same questions:
“Is my idea solving a real problem?”
“How do I validate my product?”
“What’s the right way to pitch investors?”
“Who can guide me when I get stuck?”
And here’s the truth: You don’t need to figure it all out alone.
The Value of a Mentor Before You Launch
Having a mentor is like having a co-pilot in the chaotic first miles of your startup journey. The best mentors won’t just tell you what to do — they’ll help you ask better questions, avoid rookie mistakes, and see possibilities you might miss on your own.
In fact, many founders say that the right mentor made the biggest difference in their early days — not funding, not a perfect product, but guidance.
Introducing the 2025 Startup Mentorship Program
To support the next generation of entrepreneurs, we’re proud to launch the Startup Mentorship Program 2025, co-hosted by Macao Startup Club and 法國澳門商會 France Macau Chamber of Commerce.
This is a 3-month hands-on journey for students, aspiring founders, and first-time entrepreneurs who want to go from idea to pitch — with real support along the way.
What You’ll Get:
✅ 1-on-1 mentoring from seasoned founders, creatives, and investors
📚 Workshops on business model design, customer validation & pitching
🤝 Access to a network of startup peers and industry partners
🎤 A chance to pitch at public Demo Day and gain visibility
💼 Internship opportunities for high-potential participants
🎓 Certificate of completion for those with 80%+ attendance
Program Timeline:
Orientation Day: July 5
Workshops: July 12 & 19
Mentoring: July–September (flexible schedule)
Demo Day: September 13
Whether you have an idea or are just curious about entrepreneurship, this program will give you the tools, confidence, and community to take the next step.
Apply Now
Startups begin with questions.
Mentorship helps you find the answers that matter.
