Mentors

MACH37’s Stars Mentor Network is an elite group of cyber professionals, investors and community leaders focused on enabling the formation and growth of new cyber technology companies. The network includes over 400 active members from multiple industries including federal, state and local government, financial services, insurance, critical infrastructure and energy.

Members of the Stars Network regularly meet and work with MACH37® program’s energetic innovators. Being part of this network offers mentors a unique opportunity to stay plugged into the disruptive edge of cyber startups.

MACH37 David Ihrie Mentorship Award & Recipients

At MACH37, we believe that meaningful mentorship is pivotal for the journey of our founders and goes beyond advice. It's about showing up, building trust, and providing consistent support and encouragement throughout the program. 

These beliefs and values were embodied by David Ihrie, one of the founders of MACH37. He was an advocate for innovation and founders and always offered his time freely, offered thoughtful advice, and went above and beyond to support this community.  In honor of David's legacy, we are proud to introduce the MACH37 David Ihrie Memorial Mentorship Award, created to recognize mentors who exemplify the same spirit, generosity, and impact that David brought to MACH37.

Interested in becoming a mentor with MACH37?

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Mentor Award Recipients

2025
Dan Light

Dan Light has been an exceptional mentor within our program for the past few year, consistently demonstrating dedication, reliability, and genuine commitment to founder success. Our founders have repeatedly expressed overwhelmingly positive experiences working with Dan, noting his thoughtfulness and willingness to meet them where they are. He has built strong, sustained relationships with founders in our program and beyond. These long-term relationships speak to the trust and value Dan brings to every conversation.

His continued investment in founders, combined with his initiative to support the ecosystem as a whole, makes Dan Light a deserving recipient of the inaugural MACH37 David Ihrie Mentorship Award.