FUELING FOUNDERS TO IGNITE REAL VENTURES
Spark Founders is KS WELI’s flagship program for committed student entrepreneurs who are ready to move from idea to company. Built for founders beyond customer discovery and prepared to scale, KS WELI blends research-backed curriculum, strategic mentorship, academic integration, and non-dilutive funding to create the strongest student entrepreneurship pipeline in the country.
KS WELI was created to close the equity gap in entrepreneurship and champion more women founders. But building a more equitable ecosystem benefits everyone. This program is intentionally structured to serve all UT Austin students, regardless of sex, while incorporating research-backed strategies to address the barriers women disproportionately face in entrepreneurship.
MENTORSHIP
This is where student founders learn from entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and industry leaders who’ve walked the path before them. Every Spark Founder is thoughtfully matched with a mentor aligned to their venture’s stage, industry, or strategic goals. Mentorship means:
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Personalized 1:1 guidance on strategy, growth, pivots, and leadership
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Accountability and support throughout the semester
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Real-world insights founders won’t find in coursework or textbooks
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Warm introductions, networking, and connections into the Austin ecosystem
MEET THE SPRING 2026 COHORT