We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” Some of the best entrepreneurs I know intentionally elevate their networks, and one way to do this is by joining fellowships and accelerator programs. Tania Kottoor is a master of this strategy. In this episode, we dive into the programs that have been vital to her success in launching West x East and discuss how to leverage pitch competitions beyond just the funding. Tania Kottoor, the Founder and CEO of WEST x EAST, has been part of over 20 fellowships, accelerators, and boot camps, including the Tory Burch Entrepreneur Program, Luminary Fellowship, Vital Voices Grow Fellowship, and Ladies Who Launch Fellowship.

West x East, an AI-powered design platform for custom-fit cultural clothing, has been gaining significant momentum since its inception in 2023. Pitching at the IN-Prize competition at Rally is one of the latest achievements in Tania's impressive journey. This conversation took place at Rally, the largest global cross-sector innovation conference, which celebrates connections between companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and universities worldwide. Rally features a $5M cash IN-Prize pitch competition, 1:1 investor meetups, a demo arena, and content sessions, making it a premier event for innovators like Tania. Tune in to hear how Tania's strategic involvement in these programs has propelled her entrepreneurial success and how you can apply these insights to your own ventures.