For a long time, mentoring was an exclusive resource for large corporations, such as those on the U.S. Fortune 500 list, where 97.6% already have structured mentoring programs. However, this scenario has changed: today, more and more entrepreneurs and startups are turning to mentoring to accelerate growth, avoid strategic mistakes, and develop a high-performance mindset.
The numbers confirm this trend. According to the Brazilian Business Mentors Association (ABMEN), the number of mentors in Brazil grew by 78% between 2019 and 2020, reaching 35,000 professionals, and continues to expand, with an average annual growth rate of 19.5%.
For Filipe Bento, founder and CEO of Atomic Group, the search for mentoring reflects the need for continuous learning and a well-defined strategy. ‘Successful entrepreneurs don’t grow alone. Access to a qualified network, a strategic vision, and the right mindset make all the difference in scaling businesses solidly and sustainably,’ he says.
What sets high-impact mentoring apart?
Contrary to what many think, mentoring is not just about occasional tips or exchanges of experiences. It is a strategic acceleration tool that combines access to qualified networks, informed decision-making, and the development of essential leadership skills.
Filipe Bento, who leads companies such as Br24, Atomic Ventures, and Atomic Growth, explains that high-level mentors focus on developing power skills—advanced abilities that include leadership in uncertain scenarios, negotiation, influence, and efficient execution of ideas.
‘Startups are increasingly aware of the importance of mentoring. The market demands agile and informed decisions, and interaction with experienced mentors provides a valuable shortcut, offering validation, direction, and new growth opportunities,’ Filipe points out.
Entrepreneurs who seek this type of support, according to him, are visionaries pursuing exponential growth. However, they face challenges such as fundraising, process structuring, and defining scalable strategies.
Six strategies for solid and scalable growth
With experience in accelerating businesses and transforming companies into highly profitable operations, Filipe Bento highlights six fundamental pillars he works on in his mentoring for entrepreneurs:
- Strategic alliances – Sustainable growth requires solid partnerships, whether with suppliers, partners, or strategic investors.
- Timing and speed – Structuring agile teams and creating well-defined operational processes are essential for scalability.
- Operational systems – Efficient acquisition, delivery, and post-sale models are the backbone of a sustainable business.
- Growth mindset – Breaking internal barriers and limiting beliefs is a differentiator for leading and innovating.
- Impact and recurring revenue – Profitable companies don’t rely on occasional revenues but on predictable and sustainable models.
- Scalable growth – Structuring processes and products allows a business to grow in an orderly and exponential manner.
For Filipe, mentoring is not a ready-made formula but a process of strategic customization. ‘We adapt the approach according to the reality and challenges of each entrepreneur, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to achieve concrete and sustainable results,’ he concludes.
