Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs)

An EIR helps provides insight to ventures, bringing both subject matter expertise and functional skills to help develop an idea.  An EIR can help guide a startup through discovery, market research, value proposition, and investment thesis.  An EIR typically has had experience with new-product development, raising capital, building and managing a team and scaling a company.  EIRs graciously volunteer their time to the LaunchPad to help coach startups and make connections.

Student startups who would like to meet with an EIR can make an appointment by e-mailing LaunchPad@syr.edu

The LaunchPad is supported by amazing people who help our student entrepreneurs succeed.  These "Orange Angels" provide extraordinary support which contributes to student personal and professional growth.  We thank our "Orange Angels" for their invaluable contributions to building the LaunchPad community.

Todd B. Rubin '04 (Architecture) provides generous personal funding as well as gifts through the Rubin Family Foundation to directly support entrepreneurial students at the LaunchPad.  He has directed funding to create the Rubin Family Innovation Mentors program, a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholars program, as well as an Orange Ambassadors program.  He has literally changed the lives of the many students benefiting from these professional development and leadership opportunities.

Todd serves as the Minister of Evolution (President) for The Republic of Tea. Dedicated to preserving a legacy that fosters The Republic of Tea’s “Sip by Sip Rather than Gulp by Gulp” lifestyle, he strives to delight Citizens, Ministers, Embassies and Ambassadors with a focus on innovation, education and providing the finest premium teas and herbs.

He has successfully spearheaded new teas and innovative brand partnerships that led to significant growth. Utilizing his Syracuse University degree in architecture, he recently oversaw the feng shui design of the company’s headquarters at The Exchange in Larkspur, California and the company’s production and shipping center in Nashville, Illinois.

Todd was the recipient of Syracuse’s Generation Orange Award for philanthropy.  He is also a member of the SU Libraries Advisory Council.  His goal is to encourage other Syracuse University alumni to consider gifts that support students and enhances their “Orange Experience.”

The Fazackerley team has been “super-mentors” to many Syracuse LaunchPad companies over the past few years, advising on both product and business development.  

Adam and Amy founded Lay-n-Go which designs and manufactures innovative organizational solutions for life, play, and travel.  Their products are sold through their on-line marketplace as well as at leading retailers domestically and internationally.  Amy is CEO and has been featured on national TV shows such as MSNBC’s Your Business, Fox and Friends, and Good Morning America. She is also a guest host for QVC.  Adam ’96 (Whitman) is COO and a serial entrepreneur.  He founded concept2creations, a firm designing and developing corporate brands, digital assets, and printed media, and is also a general partner and co-founder at Fortify.vc. 

Amy and Adam both serve on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council.  They are pioneers in the virtual workspace, having built a virtual global business and managing remote teams that include design, manufacturing and logistics.  They are also members of the SU Libraries Advisory Council.

The Fazackerleys have directly supported Syracuse student startups and have employed them as interns and independent contractors.  They serve as advisors and subject matter experts for many LaunchPad startups and have generously hosted and sponsored students at professional association and trade shows as well as at high profile national events. 

Jeffrey Rich ’67, partner at Rich Michaelson Magaliff LLP, and a member of the Syracuse University Libraries Advisory Board, provides generous grants to help LaunchPad student ventures move ideas from concept through research and discovery, to proof and commercialization.  Innovation Fund grants can be used for prototypes, research, patent applications, incorporation, legal counsel, development of technology platforms and related startup expenses.  Jeff graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School and received a J.D. from New York University School of Law.  He specializes in commercial law and financial restructuring at the firm Rich Michaelson Magaliff LLP. In addition to being active in various legal and charitable organizations, he is an active mentor with the LaunchPad and was recently appointed to represent the Libraries on the University’s National Campaign Council.

Learn more about the Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars global network at blackstonelaunchpad.org.