Build the Board that Makes You Grow

“The New Mexico Startup Alliance and The Fourth Effect are teaming up to close one of the biggest gaps facing founders:  effective, sector-savvy boards. “ 

Create an ideal advisory board for all your startup needs

The 10-month Board Builder Bootcamp helps New Mexico founders build the advisory boards that accelerate growth, strengthen governance, and prepare companies for investors. Through hands-on mentorship, advisor matching, and practical governance training, startups gain the relationships and tools needed to scale with confidence.

Seeking Innovative Companies who are:

  • Pre-Seed or Series A

  • Idea Stage to Scaling

  • Under 5 years old

  • Registered in NM

  • In Aerospace and Defense, Bioscience, Advanced Energy and/or Advanced Computing Sectors

The BBB is a good match if you are:

  • Able to commit to the 10-month program, with 2+ hours/week of content engagement

  • Ready to engage effective, sector-savvy boards

  • You have been thinking of building a board and/or growing your advisory access

  • Have evidence of traction and/or product-market fit

  • Consider yourself coachable with a growth mindset (have that fire in your belly!)

What you get

Everything you need to build a high-impact advisory board and accelerate your startup’s growth.

Advisory Board Strategy

Develop a clear plan for building a high-impact advisory board aligned with your company’s growth goals with tailored educational programming.

Access to Experienced Advisors

Connect with a national network of vetted executives and independent board members through a 12-month membership to The Fourth Effect platform.

Hands-On Mentorship

Work directly with experienced Board Members-in-Residence who help translate governance strategy into action.

Investor Readiness & Matching

Strengthen your company’s governance, board structure, and investor narrative. You’ll leave the program with bespoke connections to investors globally.

Technical Assistance for Key Milestones

Access to financial grants and targeted support for financial modeling, marketing strategy, hiring, and other needs. Global marketing visibility through our partners.

Program Outcomes

Startups will leave this program with:

  • A functioning advisory board

  • Formal advisor relationships

  • Governance tools and board agreements

  • Stronger investor readiness

  • Access to an expanded advisor and investor network

Meet Your NM Board Members-In-Residence

Mark Fidel

Mark is Principal of Fidel Consulting Group and co-founder of RiskSense, a cybersecurity company acquired by Ivanti in 2021. With experience spanning finance, legal strategy, and corporate development, he has helped scale technology companies and support founders across New Mexico’s innovation ecosystem.

Clark Bloom

Clark is a global technology sales leader and board advisor with experience spanning Fortune 100 companies and early-stage startups. Formerly a senior executive at Oracle and OpenText, he now advises startups on go-to-market strategy and revenue growth as Managing Partner at Catalyst Venture Group.

Amy McCawley

Amy is a go-to-market strategist and founder who helps startups scale revenue, build partnerships, and raise capital. She has generated more than $20M in qualified opportunities and supported portfolio companies in securing over $20M in investment.

Full Team

Meet The Fourth Effect

The Fourth Effect is partnering with NMSA to provide participating companies with governance training, scaling workshops, and access to a curated network of experienced advisors and investors. Companies will receive bespoke advisor matching, customized mentor groups, office hours, advisor contract support, and participation in a private pitch event, along with a 12-month membership to The Fourth Effect community for their team and 2 selected advisors—so you can grow together as you increase visibility and growth opportunities.

Katrin de Haën

Katrin is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of The Fourth Effect, where she helps startups connect with experienced advisors, board candidates, and investors, with a focus on supporting women-led startups and increasing diversity in startup boards and capital networks.

Breen Sullivan

Breen is a technology attorney and co-founder of The Fourth Effect, a platform connecting startups with experienced advisors, board candidates, and investors. Her work focuses on strengthening startup governance while expanding access to board and investment opportunities.

Let’s Grow Together!

Application coming soon! We only have 12 spots available. If you're interested in applying to the BBB, email us directly.