First Round Fast Track
Why We Started Fast Track
Behind every successful startup leader are brilliant mentors who coached, opened doors and paved the way, often before anyone else believed. But it’s not easy to find a good mentor and build an impactful relationship, especially in the fast-moving startup world. Fast Track was designed to connect accomplished leaders looking to work side-by-side and share their hard-won wisdom with the next generation. Since launching in 2016, we’ve helped thousands of mentorship pairs forge impactful bonds through structured 1:1 discussions and a larger community experience.
How it Works
Fast Track is a 90-day mentorship experience that pairs hundreds of tech leaders with high-potential operators. Mentees go through our powerful matching process to find the best Mentor for their career goals and maximize the Mentor’s impact. Once each pair is matched, we provide plenty of playbooks and best practices on how to make the most of the mentorship experience, including conversation guides and questions. Each pair then meets for one hour every other week, for six total 1:1 sessions, to discuss the Mentee’s professional goals, tips for cultivating leadership skills and advice for weathering the challenges of startup life. In addition to these 1:1 meetings, we host virtual professional development workshops, curated learning sessions, and more personalized community experiences.
For MentorsWall of Love
"The continued level of excellence in everything that First Round does is inspiring. From an insightful Mentor, to actionable workshops, and access to the Network community, I've learned SO much in the past two months. As with many things, this experience is what you make of it. Connecting with such passionate, curious people through Fast Track has certainly stoked my motivation."
"Thanks so much for organizing an incredible Fast Track session for all us mentees and mentors! From the matching to the kickoff, to specific events - everything has been so meticulously thought out. I loved the sessions with my mentor, and hope to get good enough to mentor others some day!"
"I've learned so much! Every week my mentor gave me suggestions and things to work on that I implemented right away. I would come back with my progress and we'd adjust the way I was approaching an issue if needed. The things that were super impactful were those that will stay with me for the rest of my career - how to frame problems, how to present myself, and how to find joy in the things I'm working on!"
Photos from Spring 2023 Cohort
"Thanks so much for organizing an incredible Fast Track session for all us mentees and mentors! From the matching to the kickoff, to specific events - everything has been so meticulously thought out. I loved the sessions with my mentor, and hope to get good enough to mentor others some day!"
"I've learned so much! Every week my mentor gave me suggestions and things to work on that I implemented right away. I would come back with my progress and we'd adjust the way I was approaching an issue if needed. The things that were super impactful were those that will stay with me for the rest of my career - how to frame problems, how to present myself, and how to find joy in the things I'm working on!"
"Founders have to step up to do all sorts of things they have never done before. Working with my Mentor was like firing attitude thrusters on a space capsule — quick little bursts of useful and well-timed advice that made all the difference in the destination. I’m so grateful for the time that she spent helping me point things in the right direction."
FAQs
Becoming a First Round Mentor or Mentee is by application only.
You should have significant experience as an operating leader, founder, or executive. We are seeking folks across a diverse range of industries and roles — design, engineering, customer success, sales, HR, product marketing, etc. Most of our Mentors have 8+ years of experience — but we make exceptions for people with an uncanny ability to coach and wisdom beyond their years.
We're seeking the best founders and operators at both early- and late-stage tech companies looking to work side-by-side and share their experiences with their Mentee. We're specifically seeking women, underrepresented minorities, and people who have had unconventional paths to tech.