The alumni career panel held on February 13, 2025, brought together Harvard-affiliated founders and startup leaders to exchange insights on navigating the dynamic startup space. The panel included entrepreneurs from diverse industries, such as agritech, biotech, surgical technology, and apparel, and served as a precursor to the Harvard Startup Career Fair on February 14. Among the esteemed panelists were Luciano Bueno, Alicia Tulsee, and Raahil Sha, along with our moderator, current PhD student, Heer Joisher, all of whom have traversed unique paths in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Luciano Bueno, Founder & CEO of GALY
Heer Joisher PhD ’24, Co-President of Nucleate
Raahil Sha ’18, Co-Founder and CTO of Zeta Surgical
Alicia Tulsee ’15, Founder and CEO of Moxie Scrubs
Pros and Cons of Startups
Early career professionals may find startups to be a valuable opportunity for growth and impact. One panelist emphasized that taking risks early on can be beneficial since career stakes are lower, encouraging internships—even unpaid ones—for hands-on experience. Another speaker shared that launching a startup was a transformative experience, offering a level of ownership and creativity that contrasted with their previous corporate experience. A third panelist highlighted the potential for startups to drive meaningful change, making them an attractive opportunity for those looking to innovate and shape industries.
Finding Opportunities at Startups
Networking emerged as a critical strategy for finding opportunities in startups. Alicia stressed that, “Your presence speaks before you do,” suggesting that direct engagement with founders at events and informal gatherings like happy hours is vital, as resumes alone rarely lead to callbacks. Luciano reiterated that networking by inquiring about founders’ stories is effective, noting, “People like to brag.” Raahil recommended writing personalized cover letters that articulate one’s connection to a startup’s mission and tapping into resources like the “Crimson Careers” job board.
Navigating Venture Capital Relationships
Venture capital (VC) relationships are an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey, but the panelists emphasized caution. Raahil shared insights from observations of fellow ventures’ experiences during his time with Y Combinator (startup accelerator), noting that raising substantial capital can sometimes make one beholden to VCs’ hiring preferences. He recommended being intentional about choosing investors who care about your mission and share your values. Luciano, who worked in venture capital prior to founding Galy, holds a favorable view of seeking out investor partners, as venture funding accelerates growth, especially for pre-operational companies who won’t earn revenue initially. Alicia advised “dating your investors” as VC partnerships can last longer than an average marriage — “The average marriage is 7 years, and the average VC relationship is 10 years!”
Skills Needed for Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship demands a diverse set of skills. Luciano emphasized that sales skills and an optimistic outlook are essential, noting that, “You are selling yourself all the time!” Being comfortable with uncertainty and engaging in proactive networking are critical, and PhD training, as Heer mentioned, can particularly prepare one for these challenges.
Sources of Inspiration
Inspiration fuels entrepreneurship. The panelists shared their unique sources of inspiration. Alicia drew inspiration from her prior career in the music industry where she was able to meet her favorite artists, asserting, “that anything is possible.” Luciano admired Impossible Foods’ journey, having followed the company from its early stages to its current success. Raahil credited his mentors and advisors for invaluable guidance with Zeta Surgical and mentioned the importance of building a “board of advisors.”
Current Startup Landscape
Despite the cautious sentiment among investors in the current startup landscape due to economic factors, panelists expressed optimism about the potential reduction in regulatory red tape under new leadership. They encouraged leveraging university resources like Harvard Innovation Labs for growth and networking.
Additional Tips
Panelists provided additional advice, including evaluating a startup’s financial runway before seeking opportunities and emphasizing the importance of product-market fit through customer engagement. Alicia highlighted the significance of listening to customers, having talked to three nurses a week when Moxie Scrubs started, which helped the word-of-mouth spread for her business. Reading “The Mom Test” was also recommended for insights into effective market research.
This panel underscored the challenges and opportunities in the startup space for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering actionable advice and fostering a spirit of innovation and connection. Now’s the time to launch your startup journey!
