Building tomorrow’s tech leaders takes more than teaching code or funding pitches – it requires reshaping how we think about innovation itself. Behind the scenes at Brown University, venture capitalist Alexis Alston applies lessons learned from helping companies raise over $700 million to mentor young entrepreneurs. After guiding hundreds of businesses through explosive growth, she’s identified three crucial elements that separate successful innovators from the rest.
Blending Venture Capital and Education
“I’m a venture capitalist, Ivy League educator and obsessed tech professional on all things entrepreneurship,” Alexis says. She doesn’t just talk about business – she’s in the trenches helping build it. But these days, you’ll often find her in the classroom. Working with students at Brown University has given her a fresh perspective on what makes innovation tick. She’s seen what works and what doesn’t, both in boardrooms and classrooms. The connection between the two worlds isn’t always obvious, but Alexis bridges the gap.
Here are three ways Alexis helps building the next generation of tech innovators:
Following Curiosity First
When Alexis talks about building innovation, she starts with something simple: let people follow what interests them. “It’s incredibly important to create a space where students can identify what’s interesting to them, what’s new to them, what’s maybe a little different or unique in the world,” she says. This isn’t your typical classroom approach. Instead of forcing material, she creates environments where curiosity can flourish. She wants students “interested in diving in and learning more about different worlds and experiences they aren’t previously familiar with.” Without curiosity pushing them forward, students won’t stick with the hard parts of building something new.
Encouraging Critical Thinking
Most schools teach answers. Alexis teaches questions. “We have to create spaces where students can feel safe to ask why or why not and question existing systems that may not best serve ourselves or other customers,” she explains. This questioning mindset is where the magic happens. When students look at existing systems with fresh eyes, they spot gaps and problems others miss. These gaps aren’t just annoyances – they’re business opportunities waiting for someone brave enough to tackle them.
Embracing Failure Fully
Here’s where Alexis really breaks from tradition: she celebrates failure. Not just acknowledges it but celebrates it. “Possibly the most important part is to celebrate failures,” she insists. “Most of your first startups are going to fail, and that’s okay.” This isn’t just feel-good talk. It’s practical advice from someone who’s seen how the sausage gets made. “Most people don’t get it on their first try. Most of us get it on our second, third or fourth startup with a lot of pivots along the way,” Alexis notes. Her programs build supportive communities “where we can celebrate those who are continuing to feel strong and their ability to try even when they don’t get it the first time or the second.” Without this safety net, too many potential founders give up after the first inevitable stumble.
Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Alexis pushes for collaboration at every level. “If you want to build the future of tech, it starts with mentorship. It starts with open communication and education, inclusion and bold partnerships,” she says. This approach shapes everything she does, whether funding companies or mentoring students. As she puts it, “I’m here to help you shape the next generation of innovators and disruptors. Let’s build something that’s going to last.” In a world obsessed with overnight success stories, Alexis focuses on the unsexy truth: building something meaningful takes time, failures, questions, and lots of curiosity. No shortcuts included.
Follow Alexis Alston on LinkedIn to learn more about her work at the intersection of tech and education.
