Volatile Market Notes – Startup Portfolio
I’ve never been good about posting a multipart tweet… When there are more comments on Twitter about layoffs and funding uncertainty than Series A (monster) rounds of funding, it’s time to pay attention. I sent this email to our portfolio companies as a three-minute read. Portfolio Company Notes – May 6, 2022 As we continue
Read MoreComparing Accelerators and Incubators
Which program is right for your startup? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including you, your idea and your team. I recently gave a talk at the Northwest Entrepreneur Network University (NWENU) about Accelerators, Incubators and the Startup Ecosystem, specific to Seattle, but the general rules apply as well. NWEN Accelerators & Incubators from
Read MoreOne-sentence Pitch to win $995 FI Course Fee (Seattle)
How does your pitch compare to: “I’ll genetically engineer miniature pot-bellied rhinos for pets and sell diamond-plate wainscoting on the side” Tell us how you’ll change the world, in one simple sentence @GeekWire. The deadline to have your pitch online is 9PM Pacific Saturday night. You’re limited to 30 words – but you’ll get some
Read MoreIs Your Startup Standing in a Graveyard?
I meet with a lot of entrepreneurs that are myopic about their idea. So myopic that they are likely in for a painful outcome, especially if they are in a tough market. “Standing in a Graveyard” is a phrase I heard Adeo Ressi from Founder Institute use recently. The comment was in response to a
Read MoreDo you want to be Right or Effective with your Startup?
The other night we did a Ideation Bootcamp in Seattle. In the agenda we talked about what makes up a big idea and a big market for startups – slides posted here. After the content portion, we provided an opportunity for potential founder/entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas (not a fundraising pitch but just their idea)
Read MoreWhat is Founder Institute Seattle program?
As we open the new semester at the Founder Institute Seattle I’m out meeting with different groups about the program and answering the questions for potential candidates about both the program and where we fit into the Seattle Entrepreneur Ecosystem…As we start our fourth semester in Seattle were very clear on our program goals and
Read MoreRise of the Designer? #SWSEA
I had the chance to participate in the final pitches last night at Startup Weekend Seattle (#SWSEA). There were 15 teams that pitched after working all weekend to build out their ideas and create products. One to the changes they made at this event from previous events was the deliberate effort to recruit designers into
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