Scale Up Fast dives into the high-impact strategies fueling today’s most successful startups. Through case studies of industry leaders like Tinder, Instagram, LinkedIn, and PayPal, you’ll uncover the core tactics behind rapid growth, from content creation and market analysis to harnessing the power of network effects. Participants will explore proven methods for scaling their startups efficiently, balancing growth with sustainability.
KEY TOPICS
Network Effect: Understand various types and their influence on exponential business growth.
Rapid Scaling: Learn to construct and expand atomic networks for rapid scaling
User Engagement: Master tactics for successful launches and strategic customer acquisition
Sustainable Growth: Implement strategies for continuous community engagement and user retention
STARTS: Feb 4th
LENGTH: 6 Weeks
FORMAT: Self-paced + Live Office Hours
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday from 12 to 1:30pm ET
OFFERED: Once a year
PRICE:
HarvardAE Members FREE
Non Members FREE
Who should TAKE THIS COURSE
ENTREPRENEURS & founders
Why: Founders aiming to transition from startup to scale-up need frameworks to manage rapid growth, expand operations, and build scalable systems.
business leaders in growing organizations
Why: Leaders managing growth need strategies to align teams, optimize processes, and maintain organizational efficiency during scaling.
advisors TO SCALING COMPANIES
Why: To understand the challenges of scaling and provide relevant guidance and support to their startups.
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This course provides a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, combining pre-recorded sessions, expert presentations, thought-provoking case studies, and interactive group discussions. Designed to deliver practical insights and actionable strategies, this immersive program equips you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate complex challenges and propel you toward success.
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This course emphasizes the power of peer learning through collaborative, small-group sessions. By engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders, you’ll exchange insights, tackle challenges, and refine strategies in real time. These peer group discussions foster diverse perspectives, offering fresh ideas and practical solutions to complex problems. This collaborative approach not only deepens your understanding but also builds a supportive network of like-minded professionals to help you succeed long after the program concludes.
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This course features expert guest speakers who bring real-world experience and deep industry insights to the table. By learning directly from accomplished professionals, you’ll gain valuable perspectives on navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and achieving success. These sessions provide a unique chance to hear practical advice, ask questions, and connect with leaders who have excelled in their fields. This access to expertise not only enhances your knowledge but also inspires new strategies to apply in your own journey.
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As part of this course you’ll gain exclusive access to a dedicated learning portal, where all course materials, insights, and resources will be available for 30 days after the program concludes. This extended access allows you to revisit key learnings, dive deeper into the content, and apply what you've learned at your own pace. It’s an invaluable tool to reinforce your knowledge and ensure you maximize the impact of the course on your journey.
FEATURES
guest speakers
Nigel Bridges, CEO of Veracity Trust Network, is a technology executive and scaling expert with a proven track record. He grew Endava’s revenue by 1000%, scaled Whitespace Work Software to £2M with 15% EBITDA, and raised £7.25M in funding. A thought leader on scaling, he offers insights on growth funnels, Series A+ funding, and scalable business models.
Sean Carnahan is a 4x founder/CEO with successful exits, including an IPO and the $300M sale of SuperDerivatives to Intercontinental Exchange. Now leading Zeno Technologies and ESPER/Gladiator AI, he has scaled companies like SkyX ($9.5M Series B) and managed SunGard Energy’s $130M unit with 500 employees. Sean specializes in pioneering tech solutions across oil & gas, defense, agriculture, and entertainment.
Dr. Jaime Camacaro is a recognized leader in machine learning and artificial intelligence. As the Chief Innovation Officer of Stradigi AI, a Montreal-based AI startup with $38M in funding founded in 2018, he spearheaded groundbreaking AI/ML solutions and software development. A mathematical physicist by training, Camacaro now serves as the Principal AI Engineer at Extreme Networks.
Eric Chan is a startup advisor and mentor with top accelerators like 500 Startups, Berkeley SkyDeck, and TechStars. A 3x entrepreneur with two successful exits, he previously led Growth at Chargebee and held leadership roles at Mercedes-Benz R&D, Nokia Siemens, and Sun Microsystems. With expertise in FinTech, SaaS, and mobile apps, Eric has been featured on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Carnegie Mellon University.
Dart Lindsley is a global HR and talent innovation leader. He is the CEO and Co-founder of the work experience design firm 11fold. Previously he led Global Process Excellence for People Operations at Google, and HR Transformation at Cisco Systems. With a unique background spanning two decades in literary arts and business architecture, he is the author of the Harvard Business Review article "Reimagining Work as a Product" and host of the "Work for Humans" podcast. In his work, Dart argues that work is a product to which employees subscribe, so all companies are multi-sided with employees forming one side"
Kelly Mandarano is the founding partner at Sprout Growth Services who has helped scale B2B start-ups such as SiGNa and Augmentir, and numerous global enterprises to achieve new growth. A 20-year Eastman Kodak veteran, Kelly led initiatives to repurpose Kodak technology and infrastructure that drove regional economic development in New York state. With expertise across AI, manufacturing, and technology sectors, she specializes in strategic marketing and guides organizations through complex growth challenges, with a passion for supporting sustainable business development.
Sebastian Ruales is a pioneering entrepreneur and sustainability leader in Latin America. As CEO and Co-Founder of Bia, one of Latin America's fastest growing apps, achieving break-even in record time combining smart metering and energy retailing. As a founding team member of Rappi, his monetization model and global partnerships, helped it become a unicorn. He advises startups, serves as Managing Partner at Opera Ventures, and is a Venture Partner at MatterScale Ventures. A TED speaker, he has successfully addressed the cold start problem for leading startups, leveraging network effects and scaling sustainable businesses in emerging markets.
Allyson Toy serves as the Community & Customer Education Lead at Hey Gen, a generative AI video startup with $35M ARR and a $500M valuation. She previously led Twitch’s go-to-market strategy to onboard and grow non-gaming creators, including musicians, podcasters, and thought leaders.
Moderator
Christian Farivar ALM ‘23, is a 5x founder, frontier technolology product innovator, and CEO of energy startup Karh where he has rapidly scaled team and IPs, building an easily scaled urban power platform. His AI and fintech startup breakthroughs have been featured in Forbes, Financial Post, CTV, while his strategic consulting work has helped deliver 10x market share growth and 14-51% revenue increases for Fortune 40 brands on global initiatives. A deep tech expert, he advises on technology transfer, complex initiatives, growth strategy and people-centric productivity.