What is a Joiner?
Collaborative Contributor
Joiners thrive in startup environments where they can apply their skills to help build and grow ventures alongside founders.
Versatile Problem-Solver
They bring adaptability, initiative, and a hands-on approach to tackling challenges across functions like product, marketing, or operations.
Impact-Driven Teammate
Joiners are motivated by purpose and progress, finding fulfillment in contributing meaningfully to a team’s mission and success.
Programs for Joiners
The Visiting Experts Program is a Venture Lab program that provides students with the opportunity to meet and learn from alumni founders, entrepreneurs, subject matter experts, and industry experts in one-on-one or small group AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions.
Are you interested in supporting startups and developing and enhancing consulting skills? Join Snider Consulting and gain valuable work experience with Snider Consultant by making an impact on startups and growth companies!
The Food Innovation Lab is a hands-on launchpad for Penn students ready to turn bold food ideas into real ventures, offering a commercial test kitchen, expert support, and industry tools from concept to consumer.
The Digital Design Studio at Venture Lab is an educational resource to support current Penn student startups of all stages with their branding and marketing, featuring a state-of-the-art audiovisual production studio.
FAQ
What is a joiner in the context of entrepreneurship?
A joiner is someone who thrives in entrepreneurial environments by contributing their skills to an existing startup rather than founding one themselves.
Why are joiners essential to startup success?
Founders can't do it alone—joiners bring critical expertise, energy, and execution to help ventures grow, often becoming key early team members.
What types of roles do joiners typically take on?
Joiners work across a range of roles, including product development, marketing, strategy, operations, and tech—depending on their interests and strengths.
What skills are important for a joiner?
Adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments are key traits of successful joiners.
Who should consider the Joiner Pathway?
If you enjoy building new things, love working on small teams, and want to make an impact without starting your own venture, the Joiner Pathway may be a great fit.
How does Venture Lab support joiners?
Venture Lab connects joiners with student startups, offers internships and hands-on experiences, and provides workshops, mentorship, and networking to build startup-ready skills.
Latest Joiner Events
19
March
Join Venture Lab in Tangen Hall Room 708 on March19th from 5:00pm - 6:00pm ET to hear from experienced entrepreneurs about their own non-traditional pathways to founding their ventures.
12
February
Are you a student interested in joining a venture team or working on a project for a Penn startup?
The 2025 Venture Lab Joiner Fair is a pilot showcase event that provides Penn students the opportunity to meet founders and hear about the exciting ventures currently spinning out of Penn.
The 2025 Venture Lab Joiner Fair is a pilot showcase event that provides Penn students the opportunity to meet founders and hear about the exciting ventures currently spinning out of Penn.
04
September
Interested in joining a venture team or working on a project for a Penn startup? Join us on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, from 3:00 to 6:30 PM at the 2nd Floor Colloquium in Tangen Hall as we host our inaugural Venture Lab Joiner Fair.
Featuring over 30+ ventures from Venture Lab's ecosystem that are seeking passionate joiners to drive their ventures forward, this is a perfect opportunity for those eager to join a startup to engage with founders, share their expertise, and explore new opportunities in a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial environment.
Register now to take the first step towards your next big venture!
Featuring over 30+ ventures from Venture Lab's ecosystem that are seeking passionate joiners to drive their ventures forward, this is a perfect opportunity for those eager to join a startup to engage with founders, share their expertise, and explore new opportunities in a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial environment.
Register now to take the first step towards your next big venture!
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Latest Joiner News
