Get to Know Cameron Teitelman: Start-Up Champion

Founder and Chairman, StartX

Cameron Teitelman's story is one of innovation, growth, and leadership. While pursuing a dual degree in Management Science & Engineering and Computer Science at Stanford University, Cameron’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished. As a freshman he founded The Essential Card Group, a discount membership service designed to provide savings to the Stanford student body that reached an impressive quarter of the campus’ population. Then in a remarkable display of foresight, he co-founded Accelon Capital, a venture that successfully raised $80 million to acquire a cloud-based server company.

Well established as a formidable young entrepreneur, yet still an undergraduate at Stanford, Cameron set out to create a self-sustaining startup ecosystem for Stanford students and alumni. He co-founded StartX, a non-profit startup accelerator, on the premise of founders helping founders. Fifteen years later Cameron continues to guide StartX as Chairman and Head of Admissions, where he remains actively involved in shaping the strategic vision and selecting the next generation of high-impact founders.

We’re excited for you to get to know Cameron Teitelman, yet another person who makes Stanford Research Park a unique and special place.

What inspired you to found StartX?

I saw an opportunity to increase the chances of success of Stanford student and alumni entrepreneurs through experiential education and peer support. I envisioned a start-up accelerator that broke the mold – one built on trust, learning, and community where long-term vision was prioritized over short-term wins.

What makes StartX unique?

StartX focuses on high potential founders who are here to make an impact. StartX’s equity-free model invests in founders through education and mentorship. Each cohort completes a 12-week program supported by Stanford and Silicon Valley veterans. Founders become mentors reinforcing a pay-it-forward culture where each cohort strengthens the next.

Since 2010, StartX has supported over 2,700 founders across 1,300+ companies, including 3 decacorns, 20 unicorns, and more than 144 startups valued at over $100 million. StartX challenges the assumption that acceleration requires equity. It proves that education, community, and trust can drive even stronger outcomes — not just for startups, but for innovation ecosystems.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m proud to have played a key role in creating a self-sustaining start-up ecosystem that rivals the most prominent accelerator programs — all while maintaining a zero-equity model and a commitment to long-term growth over short-term gains. The core principles I defined 15 years ago continue to influence how founders interact, grow, and give back. The culture is protective, inclusive, and collaborative. StartX remains a bet on people!

What motivates you?

I care deeply about empowering people to maximize their lifelong fulfillment and impact. The world would be a happier and healthier place if everyone found their calling and had the support they need to succeed in whatever way they meant to them. I love investing in other’s journeys and being a trusted sounding board.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

As a kid, I got involved in professional acting. At the age of 10, I got the role of Gavroche in the National Broadway production of Les Misérables. The resilience, discipline, and stage presence I gained as an actor served me well as entrepreneur!

What words of wisdom do you have for entrepreneurs?

Not just for entrepreneurs but I encourage anyone to embrace diverse experiences. The best journeys often begin outside the expected paths. Every experience, no matter how unconventional, can develop the skills you need to accomplish something extraordinary.