Reinventing The Mentor-Mentee Relationship: Behind Our Investment in Hello Mentor
In 2020, Hello Mentor was born out of co-founder Quincy Dalh’s desire to bridge the gap in students’ transition from study to work. Having worked in recruitment, he experienced first-hand the post-graduation issues students faced, the value a mentor-mentee relationship offers, and imagined the intersection of the two.
His energy and vision quickly attracted the attention of co-founder Eline Stapel, head of People, to turn this dream into reality. Giovanni Trova and Katharina Koidl joined soon after to support the marketing and community, both crucial in having started the recent cascade of customers.
Hello Mentor co-founders Eline Stapel and Quincy Dalh
With Hello Mentor, companies and universities can manage their institutions and invite employees or students to the platform. Once onboarded, Hello Mentor leverages its matchmaking capabilities to match mentors to mentees based on interests, skills, and learning goals.
Since October 2020, Hello Mentor has onboarded over a hundred students and 80 mentors and next month, they’ll be exploring new routes by piloting with economic development company Brainport Development and their four affiliated universities in retaining talent within the Brabant region.
The reason companies have been so enthusiastic about Hello Mentor’s offer is no surprise. Not only does the service provide motivated employees opportunities to further grow their leadership skills, it also allows these companies to effectively approach tech students for hire, bypassing the current tech talent gold rush and helping them save on onboarding costs. The startup charges a subscription fee to companies in exchange for access to the platform, social media, and tailored events to widen companies’ employer branding and awareness.
Although there are upsides for companies, students are also reaping significant benefits from joining Hello Mentor. The 4-month mentorship program does not only help with skills development, career advancement, and insight into the professional world, it also allows the student to better decide what their first career-oriented step will be.
Hello Mentor co-founders Eline Stapel and Quincy Dalh (center), ASIF ex-directors Jeroen van Putten and Kyra Dresen (exterior)
At ASIF Ventures, we saw not only the potential in the idea and the innovative business model, we also see a fantastic and complementary team which, no matter what, will reach great heights. Our investment aims to support Hello Mentor in developing their platform to keep up with demand, and, taking into account the current growth, the team may be accepting more funding soon. In any case, welcome to the ASIF family!
