Week 6 of the Stern Venture Fellows Summer Accelerator focused on equipping founders with practical tools and strategic frameworks to accelerate their ventures. With back-to-back workshops on AI innovation and startup fundability, followed by a high-energy Summer Mixer & Poker Night, the day blended hands-on learning with entrepreneurial community building.
Supercharging Startups with Google’s AI Suite
The day kicked off with an interactive session led by Amanda Hyman (MBA ’23) and Christian Samuelson of Google Labs. Hyman, a Stern alum and former Venture Associate for the NYU Entrepreneurs Challenge, returned to campus to share her experience with cutting-edge AI tools that are shaping the future of work.
Fellows were introduced to Gemini, Notebook LM, and other AI-powered platforms in a hands-on format that emphasized practical implementation. The workshop explored how these tools can be integrated into daily workflows to enhance productivity, accelerate research, and streamline business operations.
Beyond productivity, the session touched on content strategy, with a particular focus on YouTube Shorts. As YouTube continues to outpace traditional media in engagement, Hyman and Samuelson urged founders to think beyond Instagram Reels and TikTok by cross-posting short-form content. Their advice for digital ads was equally focused: keep it short and impactful—8–10 seconds is the sweet spot.
The Math & Mindset of Startup Fundability
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to startup finance and fundraising with a workshop led by Jeremy Kagan, Managing Partner of Textbook Ventures. A seasoned founder and investor, Kagan delivered an honest and in-depth look at the startup funding landscape, from friends and family rounds to venture capital, incubators, and accelerators.
He outlined the benefits and trade-offs of each funding path, encouraging Fellows to assess what fits their goals and stage of growth. The discussion also addressed the broader market environment, including current risks, investor behavior, and where opportunities may lie despite volatility.
Kagan emphasized that rejection is an inherent part of the entrepreneurial journey and not a reflection of a founder’s potential. He encouraged participants to embrace their entrepreneurial ecosystems, mentors, peers, and alumni networks, as vital resources. Notably, he reminded founders to prioritize their customers, even when balancing investor meetings. Customers measure real progress, while investors are a means to getting more customers. “If you have to reschedule a pitch to meet with a customer, a strong investor will understand and often be impressed.”
Summer Mixer & Poker Night
To close out the day, Fellows gathered for the Summer Mixer & Poker Night, an evening of connection and friendly competition among founders, startup coaches, and investors. With members of the Berkley community and volunteers joining the event, three poker tables were quickly filled with players ready to strategize and socialize.
After a series of spirited rounds, the top players from each table came together for a final showdown. Leon Li, Co-Founder and COO of regular Berkley Center collaborator Coeus Collective, emerged as the night’s champion with a startup cash prize and bragging rights. Special thanks go to the volunteers from the Berkley network who served as dealers and made the event run seamlessly.
Tips & takeaways
- Leverage AI for Real Impact: Tools like Gemini and Notebook LM offer tangible productivity gains for startup founders—test them, iterate, and integrate.
- Match Capital to Strategy: Understand each funding option’s pros and cons; choose based on your company’s needs, not trends.
- Your Network Is Your Edge: Founders don’t have to go it alone—tap into your ecosystem for support, insights, and resilience.
