Julia Byrd

Ideate Program Lead at Mach49

Julia Byrd is the Ideate Program Lead at Mach49, where she focuses on helping startups and program managers understand market needs to enhance their decision-making processes. She has been with Mach49 since June 2022 and has extensive experience in customer discovery and program development, particularly utilizing the Lean LaunchPad/I-Corps methodology since 2013. Byrd has taught various classes on customer discovery, emphasizing the importance of effective interviewing and information distillation into viable business plans.1 2

Before her role at Mach49, Byrd served as a Program Manager at Urban Future Lab, where she collaborated on a Global Incubator Programme, and as Associate Director at Columbia University, where she provided guidance to climate tech startups. She has also worked as a Lean Startup and Program Development Consultant, assisting in the creation of new entrepreneurial programs.1 2

Her expertise extends to curriculum design and instruction, enabling her to support new program managers in executing successful cohorts by addressing logistical challenges and program structure.1

Experience

Ideate Program Lead at Mach49 (June 2022 - Present)

Advisory Council Member at V1 Studio (September 2021 - Present); Program Manager at Urban Future Lab (January 2021 - June 2022); Associate Director at Columbia University (October 2020 - June 2022); Lean Startup and Program Development Consultant (October 2020 - June 2022); Executive Director of Entrepreneurship at ILSE (November 2020 - February 2021); Associate Director at PowerBridgeNY Proof-of-Concept Center (December 2012 - October 2020); Research Assistant at The George Washington University (September 2011 - August 2012); Store Manager at Dean of Chess Academy (June 2011 - August 2011)

Education

Master's degree in Sustainability Management at Columbia University - School of Continuing Education (2012 - 2014); BA in Environmental Studies and Russian Language and Literature at The George Washington University (2008 - 2012)