Start Here Mondays connects Penn students with Venture Lab staff for personalized guidance on programs, resources, and opportunities across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you are exploring an idea, building a venture, looking to join a team, or simply curious about entrepreneurship, we’ll help you understand your options and identify a practical next step.

The Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship Alumni Achievement Award honors a Penn graduate who exemplifies entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and community building. This recognition celebrates alumni who not only lead boldly in their ventures but also give back—through mentorship, investment, or thought leadership—strengthening the Venture Lab ecosystem for future entrepreneurs. Recipients are chosen by the Venture Lab Advisory Board.

Our 2025 honoree is Tory Burch, C'88, Executive Chairman & Chief Creative Officer of Tory Burch LLC and Founder of the Tory Burch Foundation

Shalini Nag, PhD believes anyone with the drive to solve problems can be an entrepreneur and is building Venture Lab into the place where Penn students turn that drive into reality.