BETA is Brandeis University’s premier platform for entrepreneurship and technology club, which provides a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. From high-profile speaker events to mentorship programs and immersive tech treks, BETA fosters an environment where students from all majors can explore startups, innovation and business leadership.
At the core of BETA’s mission is the vision to inspire, incubate and explore. The club encourages students of all backgrounds to step into the world of entrepreneurship with confidence. As Sarah Baskin ‘26, BETA’s CEO, describes, “I joined BETA because it seemed like a wonderful community and a great stepping stone on my early journey in tech.” Through workshops, networking and mentorship, BETA has built a system where students learn from experts, collaborate with peers and gain the skills needed to thrive in the startup world.
To jumpstart its mission, BETA introduces students to entrepreneurship through speaker events and collaborations with Brandeis Innovation and the Asper Center. Past speakers have included Paul Cheek, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Dan Fitzgerald, founder of Heartbreak Hill and Jake Karls, founder of Mid-Day Squares. These industry leaders share firsthand insights to students on launching and scaling businesses.
Curiosity is at the heart of BETA’s approach through BETA Magazine, which features student ventures, startup stories and emerging business profiles. “BETA Magazine is a great way to explore entrepreneurship from behind the scenes,” says Baskin. “It’s a unique opportunity to report on tech stories and learn more about the business world. And they’re currently looking for writers!”
BETA takes inspiration to the next level, giving students the tools to turn ideas into success. Its mentorship program pairs younger students with more experienced upperclassmen who offer guidance on branding, business development and career planning. The club also hosts practical workshops on topics like “Building a Personal Brand” and “Identifying Pain Points,” providing actionable strategies for students to apply in their ventures.
Exploring entrepreneurship firsthand is a core value for BETA. The club’s annual Tech Treks take students to innovation hubs like Silicon Valley and New York City, where they visit startups and connect with industry professionals. These trips provide a real-world perspective on entrepreneurship. Additionally, BETA curates local off-campus experiences like “Innovate@BU” and “The Fletcher Global Entrepreneurship Symposium,” exposing students to critical concepts like investment and business scaling. “We want students to experience tech and entrepreneurship firsthand and gain valuable tools they can apply to their own careers,” Baskin explains.
A highlight of the spring semester so far has been the BETA Launch Party, an event designed to welcome new members and kick off the semester. Baskin emphasizes its role in fostering community: “The Launch Party is supposed to be a social event where members can get to know each other better, learn more about what BETA has planned for this semester and more. It’s designed with new members in mind so that they can situate themselves in the club.” Bringing students together in a casual setting, the Launch Party introduces them to BETA’s events and opportunities for the semester. “Hopefully people will want to keep learning about our events and coming back,” Baskin adds.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast or simply looking to expand your horizons, BETA offers something for everyone. “Don’t be scared about entrepreneurship and tech,” Baskin advises. “Be courageous! We accept people from all majors so don’t feel like BETA isn’t ‘for you,’ BETA is for anyone regardless of your experience in the startup world.”
With a packed semester ahead, including a speaker event coming up on Feb. 26 at six p.m. featuring Sean Robins, founder of Launch Yard, Wavepool and Centrally, BETA’s future is looking bright. At this speaker event, attendees will gain invaluable insights into the startup world, with food provided to fuel conversation and networking.
For more information on joining BETA, you can reach out to Malihamomtaz@brandeis.edu or Remiyoung@brandeis.edu.
