The 2024 Stern Venture Fellows (SVF) Summer Accelerator came to a close in an inspiring evening hosted by David Ko (NYU Stern, BS’ 93), CEO of Calm and key supporter of the SVF program. As the Fellows arrived, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. The culmination of 10 weeks of work, growth, and learning was a chance for our Fellows to show what new tools they had added to their belts after intense workshops and sessions on everything from managing financials and product design to developing a solid marketing and design strategy.
David helped to ease the tension with a warm welcome to the group. He kicked off with stories and insights from his own entrepreneurial journey and shared how early lessons he learned still influence how he approaches leadership today. At the heart of David’s comments was a focus on the value of supporting one another, remarking that “People took a chance on me, and I’ve been trying to pay it forward ever since. I hope that as you all start to achieve success you continue to pay it forward.”
For the remainder of the day, each Fellow had the chance to pitch their ventures and put what they had learned throughout the summer’s pitch workshops and practices into action. In their closing, each Fellow shared the progress they had made through the SVF program and what was next for them and their venture. In feedback, David met each Fellow with empathy, understanding, and excitement. He offered thoughtful advice and encouragement, providing practical next steps, including introductions to key industry players and leaders at companies like Duolingo, WB Games, and United Healthcare, who could offer further guidance and support.
The day was a celebration of all the Fellows have achieved so far. A key point from David and an overarching theme of the SVF program is that there is not one path to success in entrepreneurship or life; you have to be careful when considering which one is best for you and your venture, and remember that each step is a chance to learn and grow.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of David and Jennifer Ko and their unwavering support and dedication to fostering entrepreneurship at NYU, and we are thankful to all our guest speakers and volunteers who have given their time to support this year’s cohort. We can’t wait to see how the Fellows will continue to grow and support one another when we catch up with them at the NYU Entrepreneurs Festival on October 4th!
