Oliver Spring | Getting the most out of a startup accelerator
By Oliver Spring (NYU Stern MBA ’24), Co-Founder of OOSO Sparkling Tea | Email: oliver@drinkooso.com
When I started the Stern Venture Fellow program this summer, I expected mentorship, structure, and a little extra support. What I got was something every early-stage founder needs more than they realize: consistent check-ins, accountability, and space to track real progress.
As someone building a beverage brand, OOSO Sparkling Tea, my weeks are filled with things like distributor conversations, sampling events, and increasing velocity on shelves. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day, always reacting and keeping my head down. SVF gave me a reason to pause every couple of weeks and ask: what am I building toward and what milestones will actually get me there? That rhythm of stepping back to reflect, realign, and refocus became one of the most valuable parts of the summer program.
For future Fellows, here’s what I’d keep in mind:
Embrace the structure.
The bimonthly touchpoints and milestone goals might feel like a lot, especially when your to-do list is already overloaded. But they’re there to help you prioritize. You can always adapt the format, but don’t ignore it. It’s what keeps momentum from fading. Even just knowing you’ll have to talk through your progress with someone can be the nudge you need to move an idea from “still thinking about it” to “actually did it.”
Don’t compare your venture to others.
SVF Fellows are working on everything from AI platforms to beverage brands. Some are pre-revenue, others have funding, others are just finding product-market fit. You’ll get the most out of the program by staying focused on your unique needs. Every business grows on its own timeline, and comparison can be a distraction more than a motivator.
Talk to other Fellows.
You never know what kind of insight or spark you’ll get from someone in a totally different space. One of the keys to innovation is outside-the-box thinking, and who better to think outside the box than someone in a different box altogether? Even a casual chat can turn into a great idea or useful connection. Don’t underestimate the value of simply talking through a problem out loud.
Let go of perfection.
You won’t solve every problem during the summer, and you don’t need to. But identifying the big problems that need solving is important. The true value comes from making focused progress and chipping away at what matters most. Celebrate the small wins, and keep the bigger vision in sight.
And if your business doesn’t look like a traditional startup, don’t let that hold you back. SVF isn’t about fitting a mold. It’s about giving founders the structure, support, and space to do meaningful work and get a strong foundation.
