What sets us apart? The people.
The UIC Startup Network consists of successful entrepreneurs and former industry executives that volunteer their time to advise our startups based on their own experience. Mentors and advisors are carefully selected based on the individual needs of each startup.
A typical week for a founder in our program includes virtual meetings with mentors for ‘office hours’. These conversations vary depending on the startup and what they are dealing with. Our founders receive customized and strategic coaching in communications, product development, intellectual property, marketing, and business strategy from our network of experts. Together, we define the vision for the company and continually refine ideas and objectives. And the best part? There’s no limit to the number of hours a startup receives.
Meet the Experts
Our Executives-in-Residence come from all different backgrounds and companies. What do they have in common? They are committed to helping your startup succeed. The list of successful entrepreneurs and industry executives continues to grow, so not everyone is shown here. Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll do our best to match you with someone that can help.
John Major
John Major is the founder and president of MTSG, a private investment, consulting, and governance group. He has been a major player in the wireless telecommunications industry for over two decades serving in executive leadership positions at Motorola and Qualcomm. John was instrumental in establishing Apacheta as a leading provider of wireless applications to improve workflow efficiency, and as CEO of Novatel Wireless, he led the company’s successful initial public offering in 2000. He has also served on many corporate and industry boards. John holds 12 patents and is a formal advisory to some of the largest wireless communications companies in the world.
| Areas of expertise: Business strategy, Technology development
Raj Tank
Raj Tank is a veteran business leader in network technology and DevOps that has led globally distributed teams for all the major carriers and initiated industry-shifting change in the most competitive markets. He has held leadership positions in companies such as AT&T, Cricket Wireless, T-Mobile, and Sprint. He has served in a wide variety of roles from corporate technology planning to field deployment, consistently taking on the most difficult turnaround programs. Raj is also a successful entrepreneur that has launched several SaaS startups aimed at harnessing the vast potential of IoT technology.
| Areas of expertise: Business strategy, Technology development