FAQ
What is Blackstone LaunchPad?
Blackstone is the global leader in asset management headquartered in New York, New York. Blackstone LaunchPad is funded by Blackstone Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Blackstone. The Foundation’s focus is dedicated to building and supporting entrepreneurial ventures across the world.
The Foundation provides resources to students, staff and alumni to empower venture creation. It includes a wide range of event such as Speakers Series, workshops, mentorship and competitions. The program focuses on developing the entrepreneur. For more information about the Foundation: see http://www.blackstone.com/foundation
What is StartUp Tree?
StartupTree is the leading platform used by top universities and organizations to develop programs through data to create more robust networks. The company provides the platforms that we use to centralize all information about the Blackstone LaunchPad project for Queens College. It allows students to find mentorship, competitions, networking opportunities, and events for participants looking to join or launch their ideas; all the while developing essential skills for their careers. Visit the Queens College StartUp Tree: https://qc.startuptree.co/
What is Techstars?
Techstars provides powerful tools and training to the LaunchPad network. This program supports innovators on a global scale. Techstars enables entrepreneurs, large companies, and city governments to access proven resources to innovate faster and accelerate their business success. Techstars proven programs include Techstars Startup Weekend, Techstars Startup Week, Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerators, and more. For more information: see https://www.techstars.com/
How to start?
- Become a user of StartUp Tree. It will give you all information. To do that, go to our Queens College StartUp Tree website and you will be able to sign up at the top right of the home page.
- Come to or attend digitally events. There are numerous opportunities to connect at events we hold each month. StartUpTree will provide the event calendar
- Follow us on social media.
- Follow us on LinkedIn.
- E-mail us to set up a meeting:
- StartUp Street will show how to connect with LaunchPad staff at Queens College for projects.
What to do if you don’t have an idea?
LaunchPad is a platform that allows students to develop skills. You can participate to events and/or you can connect with LaunchPad staff, so we can learn more about your interests and goals to help clarify what you want out of an innovation experience. We can explore topics you are interested in, and help you go through the process.
What to do if you have already an idea?
LaunchPad is structured in a way to help you to move forward. Download the pitch of your project on StartUp Tree and we will be in contact with you. The objective will be to help you to develop your business plan, to improve your pitch, and to get into networks. There are lots of resources and tools to help build your venture at no or low cost.
Are LaunchPad services free?
Yes, all LaunchPad services are free, including mentorship, events and online resources.
What about property right?
Blackstone, Techstars or Queens College do not take any stake or claim to any student, staff, alumni or community idea or venture in the LaunchPad program. The program guides and empowers students to make their own decisions about their venture and to do the work themselves.
All student, staff, alumni or community intellectual property is retained by the entrepreneur.
What about funding?
The network does not provide capital, however it can provides direction on how to seek external investment and funding. If seeking capital, the LaunchPad network can help innovators explore the option of outside investment, participation into an Accelerator, as well as other capital options.
The LaunchPad can provide support and assistance putting together a pitch deck for investors, help refine and practice pitches, create and compile the appropriate reports, documents, and summaries, and advise where and how to find investors.