Scott Metcalf

Biography

Scott Metcalf is a seasoned startup coach with extensive experience working with founders. Over the past nine years, he has worked with UChicago entrepreneurs through signature Polsky programs, including the NVC, CNVC, SNVC, Polsky Summer Accelerator, and I-Corps. He supports teams at other universities, including the University of Illinois, the University of Michigan, and IIT. Scott is a trained design sprint facilitator guiding startups through product prioritization and rapid prototyping. He brings deep expertise to founders in developing their ideas, customer discovery, competitive assessment, marketing, sales, and pitching to investors. Scott is an active angel investor in the Chicago area with Chicago Early and Lofty Ventures.

Scott currently serves as Executive Director of Driving Forward, a finalist in the 2021 Global New Venture Challenge. The organization is a non-profit empowering first-generation college students in career exploration and tangible skill development. 

Prior to joining UChicago, Scott worked in product development, marketing, and strategy roles with several major corporations, including Grainger, IRI, and Sears. He consulted in user experience and product management at Lante and communication design at The Brief Lab. Scott has been teaching people how to pitch their business ideas for 20 years, leveraging his training in business communication and improvisation theater at Second City.

Scott holds an MBA from Booth. He lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with his wife, Clare, also a Booth grad. With all three children out of the house, he spends his free time on stand-up paddleboarding, college football, and making clear ice cubes.

Academic Areas

• Entrepreneurship