Chaya Pomeranz-Sherman

Chaya Pomeranz-Sherman serves as the Director of the U.S. Early Stage Program at MassChallenge, a nonprofit organization that supports startups through accelerator programs. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among early-stage companies.

Professional Background

Pomeranz-Sherman has been instrumental in shaping the MassChallenge U.S. Early Stage Accelerator, which recently announced its 2023 cohort of 186 startups. Under her leadership, the program has introduced significant changes, including the adoption of the Lean Canvas as a core component of its curriculum, aimed at helping entrepreneurs develop scalable business models.14 She emphasizes a tailored approach to support, recognizing that early-stage founders have diverse needs and varying levels of readiness.13

Contributions to MassChallenge

• Program Development: Pomeranz-Sherman has led efforts to customize support for startups, ensuring they receive relevant resources and mentorship throughout their journey.12
• Cohort Structure: The 2023 program features two distinct cohorts—Growth and Foundations—to better address the different stages of startup development.43
• Community Engagement: She actively fosters connections between startups and a network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners, facilitating opportunities for collaboration and growth.23

Vision and Impact

Pomeranz-Sherman articulates a vision of continuous evolution within MassChallenge to adapt to changing startup trends and founder needs. She believes in empowering entrepreneurs to disrupt conventional markets and create impactful solutions across various industries, from technology to social impact.14

Chaya Pomeranz-Sherman’s leadership at MassChallenge exemplifies a commitment to nurturing innovative startups while fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.