HAE & COSAIL Partners Launch Strategic Advisory Network to Help Startups Accelerate Growth
A new initiative connects promising startups with experienced executives, investors, and business leaders through structured advisory boards focused on growth and strategic decision-making.
GLOUCESTER, Mass. and ANDORRA LA VELLA, Andorra — October 19, 2026
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE) and COSAIL Partners today announced the launch of the HAE Strategic Advisory Network (SAN), a new initiative designed to help selected startups accelerate growth through access to experienced strategic advisors. SAN brings founders together with executives, operators, investors, and business leaders in structured advisory boards focused on consequential business challenges.
The inaugural cohort is scheduled to run from December 2026 through April 2027. Participating founders and matched advisors will work together over time on priorities that may include growth strategy, execution, fundraising readiness, governance, and market development. Following the inaugural cohort, HAE and COSAIL intend to develop SAN as a recurring program, with the goal of introducing new cohorts quarterly.
SAN responds to a common challenge for growing ventures: founders must make important decisions without always having access to the breadth of experience available to larger organizations. Through sustained advisory relationships, the program aims to bring practical, independent judgment closer to founders when it can make a meaningful difference.
“Founders often face their most consequential decisions without access to the depth of experience available to larger companies,” said Regina Ryan, President of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs. “The Strategic Advisory Network is designed to change that — bringing accomplished leaders together with promising startups to help founders navigate growth, strengthen their strategies, and make better decisions at critical moments.”
HAE brings its global entrepreneurial community and relationships with founders, while COSAIL Partners brings its advisory board methodology and expertise in program design and execution, including advisor sourcing, matching, and onboarding. Together, they provide a consistent structure for productive, ongoing engagement between founders and advisors.
SAN is designed to benefit both founders and advisors. Founders gain sustained access to experienced leaders who can contribute independent perspectives and strategic judgment, while advisors have an opportunity to deepen their advisory board capabilities through meaningful engagement with growing companies. Advisors serve on a structured advisory board for the full cohort, contributing senior judgment to founders’ decisions and gaining practical board experience through sustained engagement. COSAIL’s Global Boards Alumni (GBA) network will support advisor outreach and community engagement.
“A strong executive does not automatically become a strong advisor,” said Iván Comerma of COSAIL Partners. “Effective advisory board service requires a distinct mindset and set of skills. SAN creates a structured setting where experienced professionals can contribute meaningfully to founders’ growth while developing their advisory skills through practice.”
About Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE) is a global community of more than 20,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders across 22 chapters and 100+ countries. HAE supports entrepreneurship through education, mentorship, and strategic connections. Its flagship programs include the HAE Accelerator, HAE Academy, and HAE Startup World Cup Regional, alongside initiatives connecting founders with expertise, capital, and growth opportunities.
Website: harvardae.org
About COSAIL Partners
COSAIL Partners works with founders, boards, investors, alumni communities, and institutions at the intersection of governance, advisory, and execution. COSAIL owns and operates Global Boards Alumni (GBA), its advisor-facing education and community brand.
COSAIL Partners: cosailpartners.com | To learn more about Global Boards Alumni and its approach to board development, visit alumnigb.com
Media Contacts
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs: Regina Ryan, President | rryan@harvardae.org
COSAIL Partners: Iván Comerma | icp@cosailpartners.com