$140 / month
3 calls per month
Unlimited Q&A via chat
Expect responses in 24 hours or less
Hi! My motto is think different and build things. I coded my first web software in the mid-90s and had my first successful exit in 1998. I’ve spent my entire career building software products, for my startups and others, including a stint as one of the first Lead Systems Engineers at Zynga- the fastest-growing Silicon Valley darling of its time. As an investor, I led an angel investment in Mayvenn (https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/mayvenn), which has gone on to raise $76M from top-tier VCs like a16z.
More recently I built and growth-hacked an iOS video editing app to 250K+ downloads and raised $230K+ from 600+ investors in a pioneering pre-ICO crowdfunding campaign (https://startengine.com/zen).
My goal is to help tech entrepreneurs scale faster and smarter than I did by listening hard and sharing hard-won lessons. I'm a multiplier effect for your strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.
I understand the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur or working closely with co-founders. It's likely that I've faced similar obstacles to the ones you're currently experiencing, whether it's validating your idea or acquiring your first 100K users. If I haven't, I'll let you know. I won't waste your time or mine.
I encourage you to try before you buy. Let's start with a free introductory 10-15 minute call to determine if we're a good fit.
5 out of 5 stars
To say working with Frank has been eye-opening would be a massive understatement. First and foremost, Frank is just a great person. Personable yet professional, he offers objective suggestions rather than personal opinion. Coupled with his startup experience, he makes it easy to trust and follow his guidance. Frank is great at highlighting opportunities in your situation that may not be immediately apparent to you, and he also regularly follows up to get a status on your progress, because Frank is genuinely interested and invested in your journey. You get so much more than a mentor working with Frank!
5 out of 5 stars
Frank has been an amazing mentor! I was still in the ideation phase and was feeling a little frustrated with the ambiguity of how I should proceed to implementing an MVP for my idea when I started working with Frank. He took a lot of interest in trying to understand the problem space and really helped me define my assumptions and ideas better. I liked his clear communication and his honest and precise feedback. He also provided me with some great resources and suggestions that enabled me to progressively gain more clarity with my ideas and with what I needed to do next. I would highly recommend Frank to other aspiring entrepreneurs. I found him insightful and very helpful with a wealth of experience to draw from.
5 out of 5 stars
Despite not having direct experience in the GIS sector, Frank Banks proved to be an invaluable mentor in my entrepreneurial journey. His extensive background in successful startup launches enabled him to apply universal business frameworks and strategies effectively to my GIS-based business. This adaptability showcased his deep understanding of business principles, transcending industry boundaries. Frank’s mentorship extended beyond mere technical advice, as he motivated me to achieve my full potential, helping transform my vision into a tangible reality. His significant impact and unwavering support highlight his invaluable role as a resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their industry. I wholeheartedly recommend Frank to anyone embarking on a startup venture, especially in fields where he may not have direct experience, as his insights are universally applicable and profoundly beneficial.
Notify me when Frank has new spots
We will send you a quick email if Frank has new open spots for mentorship, and only in that case!
