$500 / month
4 calls per month (30min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 2 days
Hands-on support
Starts with a free 7-day trial – less commitment than a paid call, cancel anytime.
$500 / month
4 calls per month (30min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 2 days
Hands-on support
$500 / month
4 calls per month (30min/call)
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 2 days
Hands-on support
$500 / month
Start free, decide later
I spend a lot of time thinking about what the world will look like in 10 years and what role I can play in creating that future and how I can help others do the same. My background is deep-tech and quantitative finance, but I've built a career as a pragmatic entrepreneur and investor with a knack for exposing lies perpetuated in monopolistic industries and building companies to right the wrongs. I spend most of my vocational time founding, funding, and advising mission-driven companies that are tackling big existential problems.
My first successful entrepreneurial endeavor was exposing the harsh truth that power tools can cut through any lock in just seconds: a reality purposefully concealed. I co-invented the SKUNKLOCK, the only bike lock that fights back with noxious chemicals to tackle this 10B+ global theft epidemic and pull the lid off a corrupted industry. SKUNKLOCK has since saved countless bikes and sparked the birth of the 1B+ deterrent lock industry.
My work ethic and ethos are heavily influenced by my immigrant parents, who escaped communist Poland to find a better life. Entrepreneurs, especially immigrant entrepreneurs, are instrumental in creating a positive impact. I also enjoy empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by lecturing/mentoring at the Founder Institute, 500 Global, and the Alchemist Accelerator and helping deserving founders raise capital through American Pillar Partners and LvlUp Ventures (my seed stage venture fund).
I live by a few simple mantras: only criticize what you're willing to fix yourself; don't follow your passion, bring it with you; do things just because they're hard, there's less competition; and if you encounter analysis paralysis, get more data.
Looking forward to meeting you.
---- Need help choosing the right plan for you? ----
Lite Plan: Best if you want phone-only mentorship for accountability and general advice, with no prior research, no screen sharing, no document review, and no hands-to-keyboard work. Best for ongoing support after founders have already achieved some stability, and just require sanity checks and occasional support.
Standard Plan: Best if you want hands-on support where we screen share, collaborate in Google Docs, edit copy, review decks, build strategy, and work together on a call to produce real deliverables. Best for founders serious about making progress quickly and often get stuck on deliverables.
Pro Plan: Best for serious founders or professionals who need high-touch support with in-person mentorship in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, plus access to exclusive investor events, founder opportunities, conferences, and private investor dinners exceeding $1500 in value (at least 2 in-person events included per month). Best for those in Seed+ and fundraising.
5 out of 5 stars
Lite Plan • 4 months
5 out of 5 stars
Lite Plan • 6 months
5 out of 5 stars
Standard Plan • 3 months
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Mentees who work with a mentor for 3+ months reach their goals 2x faster than those going it alone. Long-term mentorship means fewer false starts, more focused sessions, and support that builds week after week.
97% satisfaction across all mentors
Personalized feedback and growth plans
Trusted by thousands of mentees
Daniel Idzkowski
Co-Founder/Managing Partner/Mentor at SKUNKLOCK Inc/Lvlup Ventures/Sidepocket Financial/American Pillar Partners/500 Global/Founder Institute
Enter your email and we'll let you know when Daniel has open spots. You'll also get a link to manage your wishlist – no account needed.
Book a free intro call with Daniel
Connect with Daniel in a quick call (usually under 30 minutes)
One-off sessions with Daniel
One-off sessions are a great option if you're looking for specific advice on a certain topic.
An introductory call is a simple way to get to know a mentor before committing to ongoing mentorship. This session gives you the chance to …
Your resume often decides whether you get the interview or get overlooked. This MentorCruise session is designed to help you strengthen your resume so it …
Sometimes the fastest way to grow is to get thoughtful feedback on the work you are already doing. This MentorCruise session is designed to help …
Session Overview Objective: Equip founders with a comprehensive understanding of their investment opportunity, assess risks systematically, evaluate investibility, reflect on strategic goals, receive actionable fundraising …
What's included in the trial?
Every trial is a little different–here's what Daniel says about their trial:
We'll meet for a quick call (usually under 20 minutes):
- Break the ice and introduce ourselves
- Discuss your goals and how I can support you
- Figure out which plan is right for you at this time
Plan Summaries:
Lite Plan - I am your support system, constructive feedback, but no screen-sharing or collaboration.
Standard Plan - Hands-on support; I am your collaborator with screen share and hands to the keyboard problem solving.
Pro Plan - (Must be in SF and pre-approved)
