Prior to launching, it is imperative that new startups get their go-to-market story focused and single-minded. Get 1-on-1 help with creating your brand story, how to avoid common mistakes in brand positioning, and determining the foundation for your story, such as WHAT you offer vs. HOW you operate vs. WHAT you stand for.

Pitch your idea to experienced mentors who can provide valuable feedback. You will meet with up to three of our expert advisors and can use the time in whatever way you feel will be most productive.

Speak with a marketing expert on topics such as go-to-market strategy, customer segmentation, social media planning, and lead generation.

Get legal insight into common startup issues such as intellectual property, corporate structure, contracts, partnership agreements, and investor proposals. NOTE: Legal Help Desk sessions are intended to provide direction and guidance, but not pro bono legal services.

Get 1-on-1 help with software design and development including (1) how to go from an idea to an actionable MVP (2) backend, frontend and data science questions (3) experience, service and UX design (4) prototyping and user testing.

Ed Laganis, head of Smart Design’s engineering practice, has spent 20+ years in product development, prototyping, and manufacturing of medical devices, mobile technologies, housewares, toys, transportation, and equipment. Describing his role, Ed states, ”When Entrepreneurs, Strategists, and Designers create and write an amazing product or service plan, my team and I ensure its nonfiction.  Giving business leaders a tangible, meaningful, and feasible product - quickly - is my primary goal.”

Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) are founders of or former senior executives from successful entrepreneurial ventures. They work closely with NYU students, researchers, faculty, and alumni who are founders of very early-stage ventures. EIRs provide ad-hoc consulting, coaching, and mentoring designed to help these founders progress their venture concepts to the next level.