The Future Belongs to People Who Can Build and Communicate.
At UpstartU, students learn how to identify opportunities, create solutions, test their assumptions, and present their ideas persuasively. Whether they become founders, doctors, engineers, artists, or executives, these are skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.
Ideas are everywhere. The ability to bring them to life is rare.
Identify
Spot the problem.
Create
Build and test solutions.
Communicate
Share your ideas.
Communication is the Real Superpower
The students who stand out aren't always the smartest in the room. They're the ones who can connect with people, explain their thinking, and adapt based on feedback.
At UpstartU, students learn how to:
Read the room and understand your audience
Listen for insight instead of criticism
Turn feedback into better ideas
Tell compelling stories
Present with confidence
Ask thoughtful questions
Build stronger relationships
What You'll Do
Learn About Entrepreneurship
Explore what it takes to build a successful business and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
Validate Your Idea
Interview real customers and test your assumptions.
Build Your Model
Define your value proposition and revenue streams.
Know Your Market
Analyze competitors and research your opportunity.
Plan Your Finances
Understand costs and set the right pricing.
Find Your Voice
Learn marketing and branding fundamentals.
Create & Test
Plan your prototype or minimum viable product.
Tell Your Story
Build a clear, compelling pitch deck.
Pitch to Succeed
Present on Pitch Day and get feedback from investors.
Meet Your Facilitator
Stephen Baer
Entrepreneur
Investor
Best-Selling Author
Speaker
Stephen Baer is a serial entrepreneur and small business investor. He is the author of the #1 best-selling book Stickology: How to Build Unbreakable Connections with Employees and Customers for Life and host of the Stickology podcast, where he helps leaders bridge the gap between corporate strategy and human connection.
A sought-after speaker for company offsites and industry conferences, Stephen has partnered with global brands including Bank of America, Hasbro, Intel, Intuit, Johnson & Johnson, and L'Oréal to transform how they engage their talent.
His sessions blend 30 years of experience in gaming, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship to provide audiences with a unique mix of operational rigor and people-first engagement strategies.
Stephen's career began with foundational leadership roles, including serving as Director of Marketing at Atari and graduating from General Electric's Sales and Marketing Leadership Program. A Six Sigma Black Belt and recipient of GE's Global Marketing Excellence Award, Stephen brings a data-driven approach to the stage balanced by his background as a children's book author.
Stephen holds a BA from Oberlin College and an MBA from Columbia University
30+ Years
Building businesses
#1 Best-Selling Author
Author of Stickology
MBA
Columbia University
Former
Atari & GE Executive
Six Sigma
Black Belt & GE Award Recipient
Speaker
Offsites & Industry Conferences
Investor
Startup Advisor
Podcast Host
Stickology Podcast
Pitch Day: Real World Connections
Students present their ideas to a panel of experienced professionals who provide valuable feedback, encouragement, and guidance.
Potential Pitch Day participants may include:
Startup Founders
Small Business Owners
Venture Investors
Marketing Leaders
Product Executives
Sales Leaders
Technology Executives
Operations Leaders
Ready To Get Started?
Give your child the skills to lead, create, and communicate with confidence.