> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.freshmango.ee/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Message your assigned founders

> How the Freshmango mentor messenger works for sending and receiving messages with startups, plus managing notification preferences.

The mentor messenger lets you communicate directly with the founders you are assigned to mentor. You can find it at `/mentor/messages` in the mentor portal.

## Start a conversation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Messages">
    From the mentor sidebar, click **Messages**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a founder">
    Choose a startup from your assigned list to open the message thread.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send your message">
    Type your message and press send. The founder receives it in their inbox and dashboard.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Notifications

You receive notifications for new messages so you can respond promptly. To manage how you are notified:

* Go to your mentor profile or notification settings.
* Choose your preferred channels for message alerts, such as email or in-app notifications.

<Tip>
  Replying quickly to founder questions improves their experience and keeps momentum in the program.
</Tip>

<Info>
  You can only message founders who are assigned to you. If you need to reach another startup, ask the Freshmango team to update your assignments.
</Info>

## Related articles

* [Mentor dashboard](/mentors/mentor-dashboard)
* [Sessions and calendar](/mentors/sessions-and-calendar)
* [Review applications](/mentors/review-applications)