TechRiseRoc
Where grounded industry experts help entrepreneurs take off.
Need mentors to help your new business gain traction? Want to share your business or tech expertise to give back to others and the community? Find a match that’s rewarding for both parties by joining TechRiseRoc—TechRochester’s latest program designed to pair entrepreneurs with business professionals for the sole purpose of growth.
By sharing knowledge and connections, everyone can grow, including the Greater Rochester region by advancing the next generation of companies and talent located here.
FIND YOUR FIT
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TECH ENTREPRENEURS
Starting and running a business is challenging! Whether you're just getting started with an idea or looking to scale your startup, we've got you. Our range of mentors can offer expertise on GTM and business plans, finance, funding, sales, customer experience, launching an MVP, recruiting/staffing, team culture, and more.
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INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Are you a seasoned professional with the desire to help grow the Rochester tech community? This is a low-key volunteer opportunity to share your expertise, contribute to something new/exciting, and expand your network. Our mentees need a wide range of support, so no matter your background, it's likely you'll be able to plug in. Business development, Marketing, and Product development are common areas where our mentees require support.
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CORPORATE PARTNERS
If the mission of this program resonates with you, we'd love to discuss opportunities for your organization to become part of the innovation ecosystem and support business growth here in Rochester.
get involved
Meet Some of Our Mentors
Our range of mentors can offer expertise on GTM and business plans, finance, funding, sales, customer experience, launching an MVP, recruiting/staffing, team culture, and more. To be connected with a mentor through our program, please fill out the mentor form.
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Diane Gardner
Principal, Two Pillars Advising
Diane is an experienced finance and operations leader who helps organizations navigate growth and change with clarity. She’s led major initiatives across companies like Kodak Alaris and Genencor, and now advises mid-sized businesses through her firm, Two Pillars Advising. Diane is a thoughtful mentor who brings a calm, practical approach to leadership. She’s passionate about helping others build confidence, navigate complexity, and lead with purpose.
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Brian Carroll
Owner, Laine Recruiting
For over 20 years, Brian has helped companies build strong, high-performing teams. As the founder of Laine Recruiting and a seasoned expert in talent acquisition, he partners with organizations to develop long-term hiring strategies that enable sustainable growth. Known for his curious and humble approach, Brian leads and mentors by listening first, sharing his experience generously, and supporting others as they navigate their own career journeys.
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Pavan Kumar
Partner, 3pmVentures
Pavan is an ex-founder, author, speaker and investor. He has 20+ yrs of experience with both large corporations and start-ups in the U.S., India, and the Middle East. He specializes in Business Strategy, Partnerships, Innovation, and Digital Transformation. As a mentor, he’s known for asking the right questions, offering practical wisdom, and supporting people as they turn ideas into momentum.
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Dennis Mnuskin
Director Software Engineering, Proofpoint
Dennis is a thoughtful technology leader and former CTO. With a blend of experience in engineering and product management, Dennis has spent his career building not only software, but strong teams and meaningful connections. He’s passionate about leadership in the software space and has a wealth of experience in developing team culture and operations as an organization evolves.
FAQ
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This is a self directed program and the time commitment can vary depending on the match and goals, but we encourage a regular cadence of meetings (e.g. biweekly or monthly) during the active mentoring period. Mentors and mentees should mutually agree on scheduling and communication frequency.
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Interested parties fill out a matchmaking form (entrepreneur or mentor) specifying their background, domain expertise, and areas of need or interest.
TechRochester reviews the responses and identifies suitable pairings based on alignment of skills, industry, and goals.
Once matched, mentors and mentees begin their engagement.
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Participants in TechRiseRoc have access to:
Exposure to networking events and opportunities
Workshops or panels tailored to entrepreneur challenges
Mentor‑mentee engagement support
Community of peers and access to TechRochester’s wider network and programming
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Mentors are expected to:
Share expertise, insights, and industry knowledge
Meet regularly with their mentee (as agreed)
Provide honest feedback and guidance
Act as a connector (introduce relevant contacts)
Respect confidentiality and commitment terms
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Mentees should:
Clearly define goals or challenges they want to work on
Be open to feedback and willing to act on guidance
Communicate proactively and schedule meetings
Respect mentor’s time
Share updates and outcomes along the process
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You can opt out at any time! This program is volunteer-based and self-directed. If you have a change in circumstances or availability, please communicate this to your mentor/mentee and reach out to TechRiseRoc if support is needed. We also understand that not all pairings will be a fit. If you feel your match isn’t working, please contact us to discuss re‑matching or adjustments.
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You can contact the working team at info@techrochester.org.
