TESTIMONIALS

Aaron is an exceptionally intelligent lawyer specializing in startups and venture capital. With extensive knowledge not only of law but also of business, Aaron brings a very direct yet passionate approach to his work. He will tell you things as they are, pushing you to improve because he recognizes your potential and motivates you to reach it. If you're looking for no-fluff, direct action, look no further.

Alden…Thanks to your guidance, we have been able to identify the right investors…. You also helped us streamline our investor presentation and financial model so that they are now aligned with the mandate of selected investors. Further, based upon your strategic advice, we have been able to create a product roadmap that will provide a long term sustainable competitive advantage.

Gemma mentored the Bean Around team and me during the Hult Prize Global Accelerator. Her infectious energy kept us motivated throughout the challenging and intense program. Gemma has a remarkable ability to deliver feedback that is constructive and honest, yet positive and respectful. This approach helped to identify key pitfalls in our business while maintaining the confidence and drive to overcome them. Beyond her deep business expertise, Gemma fosters a nurturing and collaborative environment where innovation truly thrives. It was a privilege to be mentored by her.

I had my THIRD one-to-one CMO coaching with the wonderful Howard Lichtman. As always, it was full of great insights, many strategic ideas, and on-target guidance to direct my upcoming business endeavours with Ancient Egypt Alive- keynote speaking, teaching, writing, and tours. If you have NOT experienced a session with Mr. Lichtman,know this: He is one of the greatest assets of this chapter and most generous with his vast experience, marketing insights and global business smarts. So just do it. I highly recommend it!

Rodrigo is a venture capitalist who truly knows his financial metrics. He delivered a masterclass not only on how to correctly measure KPIs such as LTV, CAC, and burn rate, but also on their critical importance during fundraising. If you are looking to raise funds, whether through venture capital or other means, Rodrigo is definitely your go-to expert.

Gemma was our mentor...during the Hult Prize Global Accelerator . Over the past six years, I’ve seen firsthand how generous and insightful she is when working with early-stage founders. Her feedback is always spot-on - she knows exactly what’s working, what needs focus, and where to steer the energy. Gemma is incredibly well-connected, often bridging founders with the right experts and industry leaders. She’s helped many startups...refine their launch strategies and craft effective go-to-market plans.

[We have] collaborated with Alden Zecha [twice and] are pleased to recommend him highly to other prospective clients and partners. We first hired Alden in 2017 to coach six companies.…Based on this successful collaboration, we reached out to him again…to support the 10 finalist teams…. [Alden’s] expertise and experience added a great deal of value to our process…. We heard from multiple finalist teams that…through working with Alden, they felt that they were enriched…. We hope to work with Alden again in the future, and recommend him without reservation.

Gemma is probably one of the most optimistic and energetic people I have ever met. She is a social entrepreneur deeply passionate about creating positive impact in the world and about supporting the people she works with. During deliberations for selecting the finalists for the 2024 Hult Prize finals, she advocated vividly and tirelessly for the teams she believed in. Gemma not only taught me about business but also about the importance of impact, and she never failed to lift my spirits, even on the toughest days.

I would…recommend the outstanding advisory services of Alden Zecha….I manage a global impact investing portfolio. Alden served as an advisor for two of our portfolio companies, and the results that both companies received from his knowledge and expertise were very positive….Both teams greatly appreciated Alden’s candid and intentional advice and support, and he greatly exceeded their expectations. If an organization is looking for a trustworthy advisor to help effect [sic] changes and develop strategies that will have a positive impact on the business, I highly recommend Alden Zecha.

I have worked extensively with Alden throughout my journey as a founder, and he truly made it much easier to navigate. Alden not only has great experience in business and working with startups, but he also thinks creatively and strategically like no one else. During various 1:1 sessions, he suggested brilliant, out-of-the-box courses of action that we simply had not seen before. He was instrumental in us winning the Hult Prize in 2021, and I couldn't recommend him highly enough.

I worked closely with Howard during the 2024 Hult Prize Accelerator program, where I managed the startups he mentored. He is an outstanding marketer and salesman, coaching startups on how to present themselves to investors and clients, and how to conduct business overall. Three out of the four startups he mentored went on to become finalists, so I'd say the results speak for themselves.

From a team at the bottom of the rankings, Gemma helped us rise to become one of the top 6 Global Finalists at the Hult Prize Global Accelerator 2024. As our mentor, she transformed our vague storytelling into a clear, compelling pitch while refining critical aspects of our presentation, including the business model and market plan. Her expertise and dedication were pivotal to our success.

Gemma has a unique talent for preparing teams to be investment-ready and scale effectively. Her strategic insights and practical advice were pivotal in shaping our approach and building the confidence we needed to succeed. I highly recommend Gemma to any social impact startup or corporate team seeking a thoughtful, results-driven consultant to guide them on their journey to growth and success.

Working with Rodrigo de Alvarenga during the Hult Prize Accelerator was a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of entrepreneurship. Rodrigo is a visionary who breathes life into ideas and challenges you to see beyond conventional boundaries. His deep expertise in venture building and strategic consulting was instrumental in refining our business concept, turning it into a venture poised for both social impact and profitability. What sets Rodrigo apart is his genuine passion for nurturing talent and fostering innovation. He has an uncanny ability to identify potential and inspire you to reach it. His charismatic leadership and unwavering dedication created an environment where creativity and strategic thinking flourished. Rodrigo invests his time and energy as if your venture were his own.

Beyond his impressive professional acumen, Rodrigo’s human touch makes the journey truly special. He challenges you to unlearn self-imposed limitations and embrace bold, transformative ideas. His belief in your potential fuels your own confidence, making the entrepreneurial journey less daunting and more exhilarating. Rodrigo is a catalyst for growth and a champion for those he works with.