- Mission alignment: genuine belief in empowering Ventura County entrepreneurs and building the local startup ecosystem
- Professional expertise: skills that strengthen governance, operations, or strategy, such as fundraising, finance, law, government relations, economic development, or community leadership, and the ability to offer real guidance, not just credentials
- Community reach: respected standing in Ventura County or relevant networks, and the ability to open doors for sponsors, mentors, donors, partners, or talent
- Reliability: consistent follow-through on meetings, events, and commitments
- Cultural fit: collaborative and constructive in a small, hands-on governance group
- Independence: no conflicts of interest that would interfere with fiduciary duties
- Long term value: a good director for today and for where Startup Ventura will be three years from now
Board of Directors
Help govern what we are building.
Startup Ventura is governed by a working board of operators, builders, and civic leaders. As the accelerator grows, so will the board. Here is what serving involves, what we look for, and how to raise your hand.
The Expectations
What we ask of every director.
Board seats are working, volunteer positions. Every director makes the same commitments.
Bi-monthly board meetings
Attend bi-monthly board meetings, review the materials beforehand, and engage actively in discussion and decisions.
Strategic guidance
Bring real insight to program development, partnerships, and the long term direction of the organization.
Ambassadorship
Champion the mission in your own circles and make introductions to potential donors, mentors, partners, and community leaders.
Events and engagement
Show up to Startup Ventura events and fundraisers, and represent the organization to founders, sponsors, and ecosystem partners.
A 100% giving board
There is no fixed dollar amount, but every director gives personally every year, and we ask that Startup Ventura sit among the top three charities you support. Beyond personal giving, directors help secure sponsorships, introductions, and outside funding.
Governance and oversight
Provide independent oversight and input on financial and organizational decisions, and engage with leadership when significant decisions arise.
Communication
Stay responsive between meetings and share stakeholder conversations promptly so nothing falls through the cracks.
Time and term
Roughly 3 to 6 hours per month, with additional time around key events. Directors serve two year terms, renewable.
What We Look For
How we evaluate every candidate.
Raise your hand
Tell us what you would bring.
The Ask
Prefer to support the mission financially?
Funds the inaugural Spring 2027 cohort. EIN 39-2204612.