About AspireX
The Bridge Between
Experience & Ambition
AspireX was created to solve a problem no one else had gotten right: how to build a true entrepreneurial apprenticeship that aligns the interests of seasoned entrepreneurs with the next generation of builders.
Our Origin
Why AspireX Was Built
We watched program after program rise and fall, each suffering from the same fundamental problems: a lack of repeatability in process, misalignment of incentives between participants, and a failure to bring together both community members and institutional partners.
What we found was that seasoned entrepreneurs and community-building institutions like universities actually shared the same goals. The disconnect was in approach. AspireX was built to serve as the bridge between these groups, solving for the misaligned incentives that had caused every other model to break down.
Repeatable Process
A structured, milestone-driven framework that works cohort after cohort.
Aligned Incentives
Every participant wins when the venture wins. No misaligned motives.
Institutional Backing
Universities and community partners formally integrated into the model.
Institutional Partners
Our Partnerships
From the very beginning, AspireX has worked alongside leading institutions in Utah's entrepreneurial ecosystem. These are not sponsorships or logos on a page. These are formal partners who push forward our shared mission.
Utah Valley University
Home to the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute, UVU has been a formal partner since AspireX's inception. The university actively encourages students with entrepreneurial ambitions to take advantage of the AspireX opportunity, creating a direct pipeline of driven, high-potential talent into the program.
Brigham Young University
Through the Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology, BYU serves as a founding institutional partner. Much of the AspireX program was inspired by the entrepreneurship frameworks already thriving within BYU, and the university continues to push forward the shared mission of developing disciplined builders.
iHub
Utah County's center of entrepreneurship, iHub acts as a formal partner bringing together local resources to support growing businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Their network of service providers, mentors, and community programs amplifies the support structure available to every AspireX apprentice.
Governance
The Board
AspireX is guided by a board of operators, investors, and institutional leaders who bring real-world credibility and strategic direction to every aspect of the program.
Lincoln Johnson
President & Co-Founder
Lincoln founded AspireX after recognizing a fundamental gap in how seasoned entrepreneurs and aspiring builders connect. His vision of aligning incentives between experienced operators, universities, and the next generation of entrepreneurs drives every aspect of the program.
Mike Linton
Chairman
CEO of VLC and active investor, Mike brings decades of executive leadership and capital markets experience to AspireX. As Chairman, he provides strategic oversight and ensures the program maintains the rigor and standards that attract top-tier mentors and investors.
Clint Argyle
Board Member
Serial entrepreneur and angel investor, Clint has built and scaled multiple ventures across industries. He brings hands-on operational wisdom and an active investment perspective, helping shape how AspireX structures mentor-associate partnerships for mutual success.
Skyler Meine
Board Member
Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maak Impact, Skyler is deeply passionate about impact investing and community building. His expertise in creating ventures that generate both financial returns and meaningful social impact brings a purpose-driven lens to the AspireX model.
Dr. Seth Jenson
Board Member
Director of the Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute at Utah Valley University, Dr. Jenson bridges the academic and applied sides of entrepreneurship. His role ensures AspireX maintains strong ties to university talent pipelines and benefits from research-backed approaches to founder development.
Michael Hendron
Board Member
Director of the Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology at Brigham Young University, Michael brings deep expertise in nurturing student entrepreneurs. His institutional knowledge and network within BYU's entrepreneurial ecosystem strengthen AspireX's ability to identify and develop high-potential talent.
Aspiring Entrepreneur
Ready to Build?
Apply for the AspireX apprenticeship and get matched with experienced mentors and real ventures.
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Bring a Venture
Have a business idea, acquisition target, or venture that needs a driven operator? Let AspireX find the right talent.
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