A startup mentor shares relevant experience and helps a founder think through questions, choices, and operating challenges. The founder remains responsible for decisions and execution. Mentoring does not automatically create an advisory, employment, or consulting arrangement.
Make the discussion useful with a problem brief, evidence of previous attempts, and one decision. Confirm scope, availability, expectations, and any payment or confidentiality terms in advance. Afterward, record the next action and what you learned. Select a mentor for relevant experience and context rather than reputation alone.