Mentee profile
Are you a student, researcher, or early-stage entrepreneur in the water technology sector based in the Netherlands? Are you serious about launching or growing your own business in water tech?
The Entrepreneurship Matchmaking Community (EMC) powered by Water Alliance, invites motivated individuals to join as mentees and gain access to a curated network of seasoned mentors from deep tech industries.
Who are we looking for?
- You are currently studying, researching, or working in the Netherlands (or considering to move your company to the Netherlands).
- You have a strong interest in entrepreneurship in the water technology field.
- You are seriously planning to start a business OR you already have an early-stage startup in water tech.
- You are ready to take initiative, commit time, and engage with mentors to accelerate your journey.
As a mentee, you will:
- Get matched with a mentor who understands the deep tech markets
- Receive tailored advice on business development, product-market fit, scaling, funding, and more
- Tap into the EMC ecosystem including workshops, networking, and potential visibility opportunities
- Learn from real-world experience and avoid common startup pitfalls
- Build your roadmap toward commercial success in the Dutch and European water tech sector
Interested?
Ready to connect with experts who’ve walked the path before you? Apply now to join the EMC Mentoring Program as a Mentee.
Let’s shape the future of water technology — together.
For questions, feel free to contact Roxane Yazdanpanah via r.yazdanpanah@wateralliance.nl
Mentor focus areas:
- Cofounding
- Communication & Pitching
- Contracts & Compliance
- Financial Management
- Funding & Investment
- Internationalization
- Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Marketing & Sales
- Operations & Logistics
- Research & Innovation
- Retail & Wholesales
- Talent & Workforce Development
- Water Sector Insights
Find your match out of our pool of experts
Frequently asked questions
What are the prerequisits?
It is simple, you have either a start-up or a technology you want to commericalize in the field of water and you are seeking mentorship or partnership to turn it into a startup.
How are shared information protected?
There is a template NDA that you can ask your mentor to sign. If you have your own NDA we encourage you to use it.
Do I have to pay?
Absolutly not! The EMC is competely free service. Neither Water Alliance or the mentors can ask you for money.
How do I choose a mentor?
After choosing up to three mentors from the list, you will fill the mentee form and mention the name of the mentor(s) you want. If you cannot find a mentor that matches what you are looking for you can fill the form to let us know. We will try to find a mentor that will correspond to you.
Can I ask any mentor to be my cofounder from the get go?
The mentors actively looking to cofound will mention it on their profile. Of course, if after some collaboration time you and your mentor want to become cofounders that is possible too!
When should I seek a mentor?
The program is available year round. We incourage you to find a mentor as soon as you have a clear vision or idea but need guidance to take it further. Whether you’re refining your technology, building a start-up, or exploring commercialization, a mentor can help you navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate your progress.