Executives-on-Roster® (XOR), powered by XLerator Network (XLN), is a collaborative platform for academic institutions that would like to broaden their researchers access to experienced executive talent, and to facilitate the matching of that talent with those researchers and/or their startups working to commercialize their technologies. By enabling our university-affiliated startup companies to connect with XOR’s curated executive talent network, these affiliated startup companies will have access to a larger talent pool which will help catalyze the transition from working inside the university to successfully commercializing their technology. Similarly, XOR executives that may be looking for their next opportunity will have access to a pipeline of exciting startups in the XOR platform.

Are you an Executive interested in working with a university affiliated startup ?


 Apply HERE

Are you a Technology Transfer Office, Researcher, or Startup interested in finding an Advisor, Executive or PI for your SBIR grant?

Please email XOR Team if not a member yet

 Startup Application for XOR Members

By the Numbers

30

# Universities

# Executives

143

#Startups

83

Featured Matches

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Smart Rotation

Smart Rotation Madison Hartung, CEO of Smart Rotation was matched with Texas A&M Executive Michele Klumb to help move the company forward with a targeted sales strategy and increased customer engagement. Michele had recently signed a successful exit deal with VeriDesk and was looking for the next startup to assist in the health and wellness arena. 

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AMBOTS Inc

AMBOTS from University of Arkansas was matched with Executive Advisor Mary Beth Wright to provide guidance on the next phase of commercialization in the construction industry. Outcomes from this mentor pairing have yielded good discussions for growth and customer acquisition strategies.

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Hummingbird Nano

Hummingbird Nano was matched with Executive Michael Wissman to take the role of COO noting "I encourage all universities affiliated with XOR to engage with other executives on this roster. Like me, these professionals also want to build upon the momentum behind the Midwest entrepreneurial culture!"

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EMBrace Design

EMBrace Design co-founder Denis DiAngelo from University of Tennessee was matched with Executive Advisor James Bell, who has extensive experience working with medical devices. Bell helped EMBrace navigate the hurdles of SBIR/STTR pathways while also providing industry-level insights.

Featured Executives

Bob Doss
Elaine Hamm
James Bell

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Executives

  1. Experience successfully running a startup as a C-level executive, and/or
  2. Raised significant capital for a startup, and/or
  3. Willing and available to dedicate time to working with the matched startup, if and as agreed between the executive and the startup.

The XOR platform enables seasoned and talented executives to connect with university affiliated startups and the related researchers working on cutting edge innovations to help them successfully commercialize their technologies and impact human lives.

XOR’s experienced support staff will work with you to help build your profile.  This includes headshot, link to your LinkedIn, website or other online content, and/or other materials that may aid in the startups’ ability to identify and vet you as a candidate for their matchmaking process.

Executives can be matched through: (1) Active searching: browsing the various startups in the platform and identifying which company’s startup portfolio best match your expertise.  Outreach to the startup can be made directly (email/phone info provided), or through the platform’s administrator(s).  (2) Systems Administor(s): another avenue for pairing is coordination through the platform’s administrator(s).  They have the ability to help make connections with startups seeking assistance in a particular industry or wishing to fulfill a specific skills gap.

Compensation or other consideration for any executed match is dependent upon an independent agreement to be mutually entered into by and between the startup and executive.

No, this is not a requirement, however, the dynamic of the relationship between the executive and the startup should be worked out before consummating a match.

Researchers / Startups

The XOR platform enables university affiliated researchers and startup founders who are working to commercialize their technologies — find experienced business executives to serve as an Advisor, Primary Investigator on SBIR/STTR grant, and/or an executive to join their management team.  Building a solid experienced team is an important aspect of being able to successfully commercialize your technology and attract capital.  XOR makes finding experienced individuals easier

XOR’s experienced support staff will work with you to help build your profile.  This includes information about your technology, a pitch deck and/or other materials that may aid in the matchmaking.

Researchers/Startups can be matched through: (1) Active searching – browsing the various executives in the platform and identifying what kinds of expertise is currently required.  Outreach to any executive can be made directly (email/phone info provided), or through the platform’s administrator(s).  (2) Systems Administor(s) – the platform’s admins have the ability to make suggestions for executive pairings if desired. 

Yes, however, the dynamic of the relationship between the executive and the startup should be worked out before consummating a match.

There is an economic development benefit to the region to attract talent to the city/state where you are currently working in, but it is up to each university and/or startup company, in collaboration with the newly matched executive, to determine where or how a startup will continue its development. 

This is not a portal for new technologies.  In other words, an idea needs to be more than just a technology to be listed on XOR.  It needs to have a business model evidencing potential viability as a business or company, demonstrated by attaching a pitch deck or business model materials in your profile on XOR.