Scale Smart, Scale Fast

This week, we sat down with Scale Up Fast Moderator Christian Farivar , a seasoned entrepreneur who has helped major brands and artists successfully scale worldwide.

Is there a secret to scaling up fast?

Christian Farivar: There's no "secret." You need to focus on a strong growth foundation, like cultivating a powerful customer network and ensuring you're always preparing for the next phase.

What’s the biggest challenge startups face when they’re ready to scale?

Christian Farivar: Staying innovative while growing. If you’re not constantly evolving, you risk falling behind.?Scale Up Fast?focuses on leadership, team dynamics, and using data and AI analytics to create a personalized growth plan.

What’s the #1 mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to scale?

Christian Farivar:?Growing for the sake of growth. Many companies, especially in 2022, struggled because they lacked a clear strategy and data-driven decision-making.

How has your experience shaped the way you approach scaling?

Christian Farivar: Scaling taught me that every stage brings new lessons, and no single experience prepares you for everything. One constant is that the right team and culture can carry you through both challenges and successes.

Why did you decide to moderate this course?

Christian Farivar:?Guiding entrepreneurs at such a pivotal stage with an immersive course like this is a no brainer. Moderating?Scale Up Fast?felt like a natural fit because I’ve been there, and I know how transformative the right support will be.

Any course highlights you’d like to share?

Christian Farivar:? It’s packed with live discussions, relevant case studies, and outstanding guest speakers, such as Eric Chan. Eric is a growth marketing expert in SaaS, FinTech, and enterprise software, recognized for driving $7B+ in annual transactions, he has built and marketed products reaching tens of millions worldwide, including payment gateways and networks.

Any last bit of advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale fast?

Christian Farivar: Focus on profit/market fit. During scaling years, prioritize growing revenue and profitability without letting costs spiral out of control.

Let us know what other courses you'd like to hear about in the comments!

HarvardAE Happenings

• TWLI Info Session: Join us on Jan. 21 from 1-2pm ET and learn how this course will help you craft your narrative. RSVP now.
• HarvardAE Accelerator: Semi-Finalists will be chosen and announced on Jan. 21.
• Chapter Launch: HarvardAE Singapore held its first event on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
• SIG Showcase: Join us for a HarvardAE showcase for all alumni! All are invited. RSVP here.

Registration Open

• Peer Forum: Starting Jan. 22, connect with fellow business leaders in a supportive environment. Space is limited to 8 entrepreneurs on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enroll now.
• Pitch Deck Masterclass: Starting Jan. 30, craft a clear compelling pitch to increase your chances of moving investors to the next step. Limited to 10 early-stage founders. Apply by Jan. 20. Apply now.
• Thought Writing Leadership Incubator Winter: Starting Feb. 4, this is an immersive program designed to help professionals craft compelling narratives. Enroll now.
• Scale Up Fast: Starting Feb. 4, this course is for founders, leaders, and advisors ready to take their startups to scale. Enroll now.
• Digital Marketing Mastery: Starting Feb. 19, this course will help you execute and measure impactful digital marketing campaigns. Enroll now.
• AI for Startup Success: Starting Feb. 27, this course empowers startups to harness AI as a core growth driver. Enroll now.

Congratulations

• Accelerator Alum Vocadian and founder Yujie Wang (王宇杰) were chosen to go to Silicon Valley as one of the Top 30 startups chosen to pitch at the Global AI Pitch Summit 2025. We are so proud, as Bill Reichert would say, they've definitely learned how to WOW!

Volunteer Corner

• Call for Mentors: We are looking for Biotech related Lead Mentors to guide alumni-founded teams for the 2025 Accelerator. Learn more.
• HarvardAE Boston Chapter: Looking for volunteers to help build the community. Interested in joining? Email us at [email protected].

Accelerator Update

Accelerator applications have officially closed as of Friday, January 10th and it was a whirlwind! We ended up receiving an impressive 95 applications with represention from 11 out of Harvard's 13 schools. The diverse range of talent and ideas pouring in has us buzzing to announce the semi-finalists on January 21st. Stay tuned!

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