Jury & Mentors

Both the competition jury and the mentors are experienced members of the business community. They include venture capitalists, bankers, chief executive officers, angel investors and experts from industry and academia.

The Jury

The jury’s job, says NVBC board member Michael Volker, is to “pick the idea most likely to be commercially viable with the greatest value.”

Judges sit for either Rounds 1 and 2, or for Rounds 3 and 4. They evaluate submissions and presentations, offer feedback, and decide who advances to the next round. They also choose the final winners.

The Mentors

Business experts mentor 15 competitor teams in Round 2 and 25 competitor teams in Round 3. Some mentors will also serve on mentor panels during Round 3.

Mentors answer questions, provide focus, examine the business plan, brainstorm possible partnerships, evaluate milestones, provide relevant contacts, evaluate presentations and advise on incorporation and intellectual property rights.

Who can be a mentor?

Successful technology entrepreneurs, corporate financiers, industry experts and academic professionals who have registered with and been accepted by BCIC-NVC: Regional organizers.

Panel mentors

Panel mentors will listen as competitors present their business ideas in the space of one hour. Panel mentors will then offer feedback, answer questions and evaluate the presentation. Competitors receive the mentors’ written recommendations.

Code of conduct
Both mentors and competitors are bound by a code of ethics and conduct that reflects the principles and purpose of the New Ventures BC mentorship program:

  • Any conflict of interest must be acknowledged and avoided.
  • Mentors and competitors must maintain confidentiality, practice clear communication, display professional conduct and demonstrate their commitment to the relationship through cooperation, courtesy and mutual trust.

NVBC teams are generally very early-stage start-ups. If your primary goal as a mentor is to find a good investment or buy your way into equity, please do not volunteer.

E-mail us at mentor@newventuresbc.com if you think your skills could benefit our competitors