Speed2Seed Terms and Conditions for Mentors

Last Updated: February 2026

Welcome to Speed2Seed! Thank you for your interest in mentoring the next generation of HealthTech and FinTech founders. Before you join our mentor community, please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By registering as a mentor and participating in the programme, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms.

1. About Speed2Seed

Speed2Seed is a 14-week startup accelerator programme operated by Xamun.AI ("we", "us", "Xamun", or "Speed2Seed"). We support HealthTech and FinTech founders in validating their ideas and building their Version 1 products through systematic customer discovery and technical execution support.

Our mentor network is the cornerstone of Speed2Seed's success. As a mentor, you provide invaluable guidance whilst building an equity portfolio in promising early-stage startups.

2. Mentor Eligibility and Registration

2.1 Who Can Become a Mentor

You may apply to become a Speed2Seed mentor if you:

• Are at least 18 years of age

• Have relevant startup experience, including (but not limited to):

  • Founded or co-founded one or more startups

  • Worked in early-stage startup environments in leadership roles

  • Invested in or advised multiple early-stage companies

  • Built and scaled products from concept to market

• Can commit to the time requirements outlined in Section 4

• Are able to provide constructive guidance on customer discovery, validation, product-market fit, or early-stage business development

• Can participate in weekly video calls with mentees

2.2 Domain Expertise

Domain expertise in HealthTech or FinTech is helpful but not required. Your core value as a mentor is startup expertise—understanding customer discovery, validation methodologies, product-market fit, and early sales. Speed2Seed provides domain-specific resources and workshops to support both founders and mentors in sector-specific topics.

2.3 Geographic Flexibility

You do not need to be located in the same city as your mentees. Most mentorship happens via weekly video calls. You only need to be timezone-compatible (able to find mutually convenient call times with your mentees).

Optional: Some mentors attend bi-monthly in-person sessions if they are local to the cohort city. In-person participation is encouraged but not mandatory.

2.4 Registration and Approval

When you register as a mentor, you grant us permission to:

• Review and evaluate your application and background

• Contact you about mentor onboarding and cohort scheduling

• Share your mentor profile (background, expertise, experience, photo/headshot) with programme founders during the mentor selection process

• Include your name, photo, and profile in Speed2Seed mentor directories and promotional materials

• Display you on mentor listings for specific cohorts on the Speed2Seed website

• Use anonymised data about mentorship activities for programme improvement

We reserve the right to approve or decline mentor applications at our sole discretion based on programme needs and mentor qualifications.

3. Mentor Compensation and Equity

3.1 Equity-Based Compensation

Mentors in Speed2Seed receive equity compensation for their advisory services rather than cash payments. This aligns incentives and allows you to build a portfolio of promising startups.

Typical mentor equity structure:

• 0.5% equity per startup is the standard arrangement

• Equity is granted through separate FAST (Founder/Advisor Standard Template) agreements between you and each individual founder

• Equity arrangements are subject to vesting terms outlined in your FAST agreements

3.2 FAST Agreements

Each mentor-founder relationship is governed by a separate FAST agreement that you and the founder sign directly. Key aspects:

• Speed2Seed is not party to FAST agreements—these are bilateral contracts between you and the founder

• FAST agreements typically include vesting schedules (often milestone-based or time-based over the 14-week programme)

• If your mentorship ends before Week 14, equity is prorated based on time or milestones completed (per your FAST agreement terms)

• Your equity remains intact after Week 14 regardless of ongoing involvement—you do not need to continue advising to maintain your equity

3.3 No Obligation to Accept Equity

You are not obligated to accept equity from any founder. Similarly, founders are not obligated to offer equity. However, the standard Speed2Seed model involves equity-based mentorship, and most mentor-founder pairs follow this structure.

3.4 Optional Cash Investment

Mentorship is entirely separate from investing. Some mentors choose to invest capital as angels at Angel Demo Day (Week 2) or Seed Demo Day (Week 14), but this is entirely optional. You can build an equity portfolio purely through time contribution without deploying any capital.

If you do choose to invest:

• Investment decisions are made independently and are separate from your mentorship role

• Investment terms are negotiated directly between you and the founder

• Speed2Seed is not responsible for investment outcomes

3.5 Building Your Portfolio

You may mentor startups across multiple Speed2Seed cohorts and locations:

• 1-2 startups per cohort is recommended to ensure quality mentorship

• If you have significant bandwidth and experience, you may mentor 3+ startups per cohort (subject to Speed2Seed approval)

• You can participate in multiple cohorts per year across different cities

• More startups mentored = more equity = larger portfolio

Many mentors mentor 1-2 cohorts per year, whilst others with greater availability participate in 3-4 cohorts annually.

4. Mentor Commitments and Responsibilities

4.1 Time Commitment

As a Speed2Seed mentor, you commit to:

• Attending Day 2 of each cohort: Meet all founders and participate in the mentor-founder matching process (typically 3-4 hours, can be virtual)

• Weekly 1-hour video calls with each mentee throughout the 14-week programme (approximately 14 hours per mentee total)

• Responding to mentee messages within 48 hours during the programme (via email, Slack, or agreed communication channel)

• Optional: Attending bi-monthly in-person sessions if local to the cohort city

Total time commitment: Approximately 15-20 hours per mentee over 14 weeks, or roughly 1-1.5 hours per week per startup.

4.2 Mentorship Responsibilities

Your role as a mentor includes:

• Guiding customer discovery and validation: Help founders execute systematic validation methodologies (particularly during Weeks 1-2)

• Challenging assumptions: Ask tough questions about problem validation, customer needs, and market opportunity

• Providing strategic advice: Offer guidance on product-market fit, positioning, early sales, and scaling strategies

• Sharing relevant experience: Draw on your own startup journey to provide context and lessons learned

• Supporting fundraising preparation: Help founders refine pitches and prepare for Demo Days

• Encouraging and motivating: Provide emotional support during challenging moments

• Making introductions: Connect founders with relevant contacts in your network where appropriate

4.3 What Mentorship Does Not Include

As a mentor, you are not responsible for:

• Doing the work for founders (customer interviews, product development, fundraising)

• Guaranteeing specific outcomes (validation, funding, success)

• Providing legal, accounting, or other professional services unless separately engaged

• Making investment commitments or introductions to investors (unless you choose to)

• Managing founder conflicts with co-founders, employees, or other stakeholders

4.4 Mentor Selection Process

Mentors are not assigned to startups. On Day 2 of each cohort, founders select their mentors after meeting all available mentors through brief introduction sessions.

This ensures:

• Founder autonomy and choice

• Mutual compatibility and interest

• Better working relationships based on fit

If multiple founders want to work with you, you and the founders will determine mutual fit together, potentially with Speed2Seed facilitation.

5. Mentor Conduct and Professional Standards

5.1 Code of Conduct

All mentors must adhere to Speed2Seed's Code of Conduct, which includes:

• Treating founders, fellow mentors, investors, and partners with respect and professionalism

• Providing honest, constructive feedback rather than merely affirming founders' ideas

• Avoiding conflicts of interest that could harm mentees or the programme

• Maintaining appropriate boundaries in mentor-founder relationships

• Respecting confidentiality (as outlined in Section 6)

• Complying with all applicable laws and regulations

5.2 Conflicts of Interest

You must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, including:

• Competing business interests in the same market as your mentee

• Financial relationships with competitors or alternative service providers

• Personal relationships that could compromise objectivity

• Obligations to other organisations that might conflict with mentorship duties

If conflicts arise during the programme, discuss them openly with the founder and the Speed2Seed team to determine appropriate next steps.

5.3 No Disparagement

You agree not to disparage Speed2Seed, Xamun.AI, programme founders, fellow mentors, or programme partners publicly or privately in ways that could harm reputations or business interests.

Constructive feedback provided directly to Speed2Seed or founders for improvement purposes is encouraged and does not constitute disparagement.

5.4 Professional Boundaries

Mentor-founder relationships should remain professional. Mentors must:

• Avoid romantic or sexual relationships with mentees during the programme

• Refrain from exploiting the mentorship relationship for personal gain beyond the agreed equity arrangement

• Not pressure founders into business decisions that primarily benefit the mentor

• Respect founders' autonomy and ultimate decision-making authority

6. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

6.1 Confidential Information

As a mentor, you will have access to sensitive information about your mentees' businesses, including:

• Business strategies, plans, and financial projections

• Customer data, validation findings, and market research

• Product roadmaps, technical specifications, and intellectual property

• Fundraising plans, investor conversations, and cap table information

You agree to:

• Keep all such information strictly confidential

• Not disclose confidential information to third parties without the founder's explicit written consent

• Use confidential information only for the purpose of providing mentorship

• Not use confidential information for your own commercial benefit

These confidentiality obligations survive the termination of your mentorship and continue indefinitely.

6.2 Founder Intellectual Property

All intellectual property created by founders during the programme belongs entirely to the founders. You do not acquire any ownership rights, licences, or claims to:

• Founders' business concepts, strategies, or plans

• Software, technology, or products developed by founders

• Brands, trademarks, or marketing materials

• Customer relationships or business assets

Your equity stake grants you ownership in the company but does not grant you IP rights to the founder's work product.

6.3 Exceptions to Confidentiality

You may disclose confidential information if:

• Required by law, court order, or regulatory authority (with prior notice to the founder where possible)

• The information becomes publicly available through no fault of your own

• You receive explicit written permission from the founder

6.4 Programme Information Sharing

Whilst you must maintain confidentiality regarding individual founder businesses, you may:

• Share general insights and lessons learned from mentorship (without identifying specific founders or businesses)

• Discuss programme structure, methodologies, and your mentorship experience

• Promote your participation in Speed2Seed publicly

7. Ending Mentorship Relationships

7.1 Mutual Termination

If your mentorship relationship with a founder is not working well, either party may end the arrangement by mutual agreement. We encourage:

• Open communication early if challenges arise

• Honest conversation about fit and expectations

• Collaboration on transition planning

If mentorship ends before Week 14, equity is prorated based on time or milestones completed per your FAST agreement terms.

7.2 Mentor Withdrawal

If you need to step away from mentorship before Week 14 due to personal circumstances, professional obligations, or other reasons, you may withdraw by following this process:

Withdrawal Process:

1. Send written notice to [email protected] stating your intention to withdraw

2. Withdrawal becomes effective 5 working days after we receive your notice

3. During this 5-day period, we will remove your name and information from mentor listings, promotional materials, and the website

4. Communicate with your mentee(s) about the transition

5. Your equity will be prorated based on weeks or milestones completed (per your FAST agreement)

What Happens After Withdrawal:

• You will be released from ongoing mentorship obligations

• The Speed2Seed team will help the founder find alternate support where possible

• Your prorated equity (if any has vested) remains subject to your FAST agreement terms

• Historical references to your participation (e.g., past cohort mentor lists) may remain

We understand that life circumstances change and will work to ensure smooth transitions.

7.3 Founder Withdrawal

If a founder withdraws from the programme or ends the mentorship relationship:

• Your equity (if any has vested) remains subject to your FAST agreement terms

• You are released from ongoing mentorship obligations

• The Speed2Seed team will inform you of the founder's status

7.4 Removal for Cause

In the unlikely event that a mentor's behaviour or actions are incompatible with the programme, Speed2Seed may remove a mentor from the programme for:

• Violation of these Terms and Conditions or the Code of Conduct

• Breach of confidentiality obligations

• Professional misconduct or behaviour harmful to founders

• Conflicts of interest that cannot be resolved

• Failure to meet time commitments or mentorship responsibilities

Removal Process:

1. Speed2Seed will notify you via email at your registered address

2. Removal is effective immediately upon notification

3. Your name, photo, and profile will be removed from all mentor listings, promotional materials, and the website within 5 working days

4. You must cease representing yourself as a Speed2Seed mentor in any marketing or communications

Consequences of Removal:

• Immediate termination of all mentorship relationships

• Forfeiture of any unvested equity (subject to FAST agreement terms)

• Vested equity (if any) remains subject to your FAST agreement terms with individual founders

• You may not participate in future Speed2Seed cohorts

• The Speed2Seed team will inform affected founders and help them find alternate support

These provisions exist to protect the integrity of the programme and the interests of all participants. Removal decisions are made at Speed2Seed's sole discretion and are final.

8. Programme Support and Resources

8.1 Mentor Onboarding

Before each cohort begins, Speed2Seed provides a mentor onboarding session covering:

• Programme structure, phases, and milestone expectations

• Effective mentorship practices and validation methodologies

• FAST agreement details and equity arrangements

• How to use programme resources and tools

• Common founder challenges and how to address them

There is no lengthy certification process—if you have startup experience, you already have the core knowledge needed to mentor. Onboarding simply ensures you understand Speed2Seed's systematic approach.

8.2 Ongoing Support

Throughout the programme, you receive:

• Mentor playbook: Resources on effective mentorship, validation methodologies, and common challenges

• Programme structure guide: Clear milestones so you know what founders should be working on each week

• Mentor community: Slack channel to connect with other mentors, share insights, and ask questions

• Programme team support: Speed2Seed directors available for any issues, questions, or escalations

8.3 Alumni Network

After the programme concludes, you become part of Speed2Seed's global mentor alumni network, which provides:

• Opportunities to mentor in future cohorts across multiple cities

• Connections with other experienced startup mentors and investors

• Updates on portfolio company progress and fundraising outcomes

• Invitations to alumni events and ecosystem gatherings

9. Liability and Disclaimers

9.1 Mentorship "As Is"

You provide mentorship on an "as is" basis. Speed2Seed and you make no warranties or guarantees regarding:

• Startup success or failure

• Fundraising outcomes or investment amounts

• The commercial viability of founders' business concepts

• Specific results from mentorship guidance

• The value or liquidity of equity received

9.2 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Speed2Seed, Xamun.AI, and their respective directors, officers, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages arising from your participation as a mentor

• This includes loss of profits, business opportunities, equity value, or reputation

• Speed2Seed's total aggregate liability to you is limited to $1,000 USD

9.3 Exceptions

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence

• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation

• Any other liability that cannot be lawfully limited or excluded

9.4 Equity Value Disclaimer

Equity in early-stage startups is highly risky and illiquid. You acknowledge that:

• Most startups fail, and equity may become worthless

• There is no guarantee of liquidity events (acquisitions, IPOs)

• Equity value may fluctuate significantly or decline to zero

• You should not rely on mentor equity as a primary source of income

Early-stage equity should be viewed as a long-term, high-risk investment with potential for significant upside but substantial risk of total loss.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Speed2Seed, Xamun.AI, and their respective directors, officers, employees, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms and Conditions

• Your violation of any law, regulation, or third-party rights

• Your mentorship advice or guidance

• Disputes between you and founders

• Your negligent or wrongful acts or omissions

• Misuse of confidential information

This indemnification obligation survives termination of your participation as a mentor.

11. Data Protection and Privacy

11.1 Personal Data Collection

Speed2Seed collects and processes your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) where applicable.

Data we collect includes:

• Registration information (name, contact details, professional background)

• Mentorship activity data (session attendance, communication logs, milestones)

• Feedback and evaluation data from founders

• Equity arrangements and FAST agreement information (for programme records)

11.2 How We Use Your Data

Your personal data is used to:

• Administer mentor registration and onboarding

• Facilitate mentor-founder matching

• Support mentorship activities and programme operations

• Communicate programme updates and opportunities

• Evaluate programme effectiveness and mentor performance

• Promote Speed2Seed's mentor network publicly (with your consent)

11.3 Data Sharing

We may share your data with:

• Programme founders during the mentor selection process

• Other mentors and programme stakeholders as necessary for programme operations

• Service providers who assist with programme administration (under confidentiality obligations)

• Legal authorities if required by law

We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

11.4 Your Data Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data

• Request correction of inaccurate data

• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)

• Object to certain data processing activities

• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

11.5 Data Retention

We retain mentor data for as long as necessary to fulfil programme purposes and comply with legal obligations. After your mentorship concludes, we maintain alumni records for ongoing ecosystem support, but you may request removal at any time.

12. Programme Changes and Termination

12.1 Programme Modifications

Speed2Seed reserves the right to:

• Modify programme schedules, content, or structure with reasonable notice

• Adjust mentor requirements or expectations based on programme needs

• Change cohort locations, timing, or formats

• Update mentor support resources and tools

Material changes will be communicated promptly to all registered mentors.

12.2 Cohort Cancellation

Speed2Seed may cancel or postpone a cohort due to:

• Insufficient founder applications

• Unavailability of essential programme resources

• Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions)

• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control

If a cohort is cancelled before you begin mentoring, you will receive prompt notice. Cancellation after mentor-founder matching will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

12.3 Programme Discontinuation

If Speed2Seed discontinues operations entirely:

• Existing FAST agreements remain valid between you and founders

• You retain all equity already granted (subject to your FAST agreement terms)

• Alumni network support may be limited or discontinued

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles.

13.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes, claims, or controversies arising from or relating to these Terms or your participation as a mentor shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

13.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal proceedings, we encourage you to contact us at [email protected] to attempt to resolve disputes informally. Many concerns can be addressed through open communication.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any FAST agreements you enter into with individual founders, constitute the entire agreement between you and Speed2Seed regarding your participation as a mentor and supersede all prior communications or agreements.

14.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

14.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorised representative of Speed2Seed.

14.4 Assignment

You may not transfer, assign, or delegate your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. Speed2Seed may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, corporate reorganisation, or sale of assets.

14.5 Independent Contractor

You are an independent contractor providing mentorship services. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between you and Speed2Seed or Xamun.AI. You are not entitled to employee benefits, and you are responsible for your own tax obligations related to any equity compensation.

14.6 Survival

Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (including confidentiality obligations, intellectual property provisions, liability limitations, indemnification, and governing law) shall survive the completion or termination of your mentorship participation.

14.7 Force Majeure

Speed2Seed is not liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, war, terrorism, government actions, or infrastructure failures.

15. Amendments to These Terms

15.1 Updates

Speed2Seed reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes may be necessary due to:

• Legal or regulatory requirements

• Programme improvements or expansions

• Changes in operational practices

• Feedback from mentors and stakeholders

15.2 Notice of Changes

If we make material changes to these Terms:

• We will notify registered mentors via email and/or through the Speed2Seed website

• Continued participation after the effective date of changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms

• If you do not agree to changes, you may discontinue your participation as a mentor

Minor or administrative changes may be made without specific notice, so we encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

16. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about these Terms and Conditions or the Speed2Seed mentor programme, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.speed2seed.com

For urgent matters during a cohort, contact your programme director directly.

17. Acknowledgement and Acceptance

By registering as a Speed2Seed mentor and participating in the programme, you acknowledge and agree that:

1. You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions in their entirety

2. You have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice if desired

3. You agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions

4. You understand that mentorship is equity-based and governed by separate FAST agreements with individual founders

5. You understand the time commitments and responsibilities of mentorship

6. You understand that mentor-founder matching is based on founder choice, not assignment

7. You will maintain confidentiality regarding founders' business information

8. You accept the liability limitations and disclaimers outlined herein

9. You acknowledge the high-risk nature of early-stage equity compensation

10. You will conduct yourself professionally and ethically throughout the programme

If you do not agree to these Terms and Conditions, please do not register as a mentor or participate in Speed2Seed.

Ready to Mentor the Next Generation?

Thank you for considering mentorship with Speed2Seed! Our mentors are the backbone of the programme, providing founders with the guidance, challenge, and support they need to validate ideas, build exceptional products, and secure funding.

By sharing your startup expertise, you'll build a diversified equity portfolio whilst helping HealthTech and FinTech founders transform their visions into thriving businesses.

Register as a mentor: www.speed2seed.com

Speed2Seed is operated by Xamun.AI. These Terms and Conditions are effective as of February 2026 and apply to all cohorts launched from this date forward.