ExpertConnect
![Students participating in the "Hen Hatch" startup funding competition giving their semifinal presentations and meeting with mentors in the Venture Development Center. As part of the Horn Program in Entrepreneurship in the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, Hen Hatch "provides entrepreneurial students, alumni, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to make connections and collect feedback on their ideas while competing for startup cash and prizes totaling $100,000." [http://lerner.udel.edu/] - (Evan Krape / University of Delaware)](/research-innovation/horn/venture-support/expert-connect/_jcr_content/par_udel_panel/columngenerator/par_1/image.coreimg.jpeg/1652983220044/he-startup-village-callout.jpeg)
ExpertConnect: Guiding, Leading, Advancing
ExpertConnect helps early stage founders avoid industry pitfalls, common mistakes, and decrease time to market by partnering University of Delaware affiliated startups with seasoned professionals representing all fields and industries for advice and counsel in their area of expertise.
These 1:1 meetings focus on the specific needs of the startup that are critical to the growth and development of entrepreneurs and their ventures in our ecosystem.
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ExpertConnect gave our team expert resources that helped us navigate the uncertainties of starting a company. The Horn program helped our technical team transition to understand the business concepts we needed to start a new company.
Founder, TRiC Robotics -
Some advisors and connections that Horn has introduced me to have become permanent mentors of mine. When I’m stuck or making a key decision, I always reach out to several of them for help. Being a solo founder can be lonely, and Horn’s mentors give me a support system.
Founder, Stemmer -
Horn’s mentorship programs are structured in a way that the mentors work “intensively” with the startup, providing valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey and useful feedback necessary for early stage startup development.
Founder, Space in Africa
ExpertConnect Answers Your "How do I..." Questions
ExpertConnect is need-centric, on-demand and private. Founders can seek individualized guidance in a variety of areas, industries and topics. Sample questions asked of industry experts include the following:
How do I...
Find experts in a niche market or industry segment?
Breakthrough to potential customers?
Recruit, hire, and support a team?
Incorporate a business or file a patent?
Get a business license, collect sales tax, and set up quickbooks?
Develop marketing materials?
Raise money for my startup?
Convey my innovation in a clear and compelling manner?
Develop a viable business model?
Differentiate from the competition?
Avoid mistakes others have made?
Expert Connect operates via an on-demand structure with individual meetings lasting approximately 30 minutes. There is no minimum or maximum usage guidelines beyond the availability of the expert.
Founders log into the ExpertConnect system to research and request meetings with experts based upon mentee needs and goals. The ExpertConnect team will review each request for relevant alignment and then handle meeting coordination for ease of scheduling and information.
Search, select, and request - it's that easy.
Startups with Univeristy of Delaware affiliated enterpeneurs or leaders are eligible for ExpertConnect. Individuals and teams must have a willingness to be mentored.
ExpertConnect Subject Matter Expert
There are many reasons to mentor - from the satisfaction of helping others to the knowledge of cutting edge innovations and leading technologies. We are looking for experienced CEOs, founders and leaders who can advise and coach through constructive critiquing and are role models for mentees. Mentors must abide by Guiding Principles and commit to 1 - 3 hours per month.
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Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship
May 12, 2026 | Written by UDaily StaffThe University of Delaware Board of Trustees unanimously voted to establish the Neil Book School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at its semiannual meeting on Monday, May 11. -
Fresh Ideas Take Root at Spring Pitch Party
May 07, 2026 | Written by Caitlin ScottThe Entrepreneurship Club’s Spring Pitch Party was full of fresh new ideas on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Students brought their ideas to the market for a night filled with fresh pitches, innovative ideas, and cash prizes. -
From Biology to Business: Meet Arielle Mahugu
April 06, 2026 | Written by Horn EntrepreneurshipArielle Mahugu, Class of 2027, is turning her interest in science and wellness into something tangible through Arima Skincare. A Biological Sciences major with a Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship minor, Arielle is building a skincare brand while balancing academics, leadership roles, and hands-on entrepreneurial experiences through Horn. From Pitch Party and VentureOn to Hen Hatch and E-Club, Arielle has been steadily growing as both a founder and a student leader.