Friday, 19 February 2016

Accelerator Ready with KJ Singh - Director of TechStars, NYC

Accelerator Ready with KJ Singh - Director of TechStars, NYC
WHEN: Wednesday, February 17, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
WHERE: JMHH 260
Join KJ Singh, Director of Techstars, NYC for a talk about how to get your venture “Accelerator Ready”. Techstars is a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market wherever they choose to live. With dozens of mentorship-driven accelerator programs and thousands of community programs worldwide, Techstars exists to support the world’s most promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey, from inspiration to IPO. Techstars provides access to tens of thousands of community leaders, founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners, allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate the pace of innovation and do more faster. Techstars supports every stage of the entrepreneurial journey – from early stage grassroots community development to more formal opportunities that provide education, experience, acceleration, funding, and beyond. In his current role, KJ sources and screens hundreds of startups as a member of the program's selection committee. During the program, he advises companies on product/market fit, growth, fundraising and other strategic issues. Refreshments will be served. 
Space is limited, Register Here


Assalamu'alaikum dan Selamat Pagi Malaysia,

Saya dalam misi menghabiskan tulisan-tulisan tertunggak. Nak mula minggu depan dengan penyelidikan baru dan penulisan baru. Pada Rabu lepas (17 February 2016), jam 430 petang ke 530 petang, ada satu ceramah oleh KJ Singh dari TechStars, syarikat ditubuhkan di New York. 

As the talk was given in English language, the next points will be in English language. TechStars started in 2007 in New York, now has 7 branches, 'control' or 'an umbrella' to 750 portfolio companies, which an objective to provide global ecosystem that helps entrepreneur bring new technology to the market.
  • TechStars have start-up program, accelerator program and Ventures Program (fundraising)
  • Currently, TechStars have a network with 600 cities, 30 countries with 22 offices
  • TechStars provide lifelong support to companies under their portfolios.
  • 90% of the companies still active or acquired with USD$2.1 Billion fundraising and combined market valuation of nearly USD$5 billion.
  • #givefirst policy


Belum mula

Satu yang menarik aktiviti di Wharton adalah makanan yang sentiasa tersedia. Saya seperti biasa setin minuman dan kentang goreng sebungkus


                  WHAT WE LOOK FOR? CHARACTERISTICS OF GREAT FOUNDING TEAMS

Ability to grow business - with evidences/proof.
Intellectual honesty and curiosity
Complementary skills and chemistry among team members (solo entrepreneurs is harder)
Stellar CEO (tactical skills is important)
Domain knowledge (related with the business venture)
Vision 
Product focus.





MAKING YOUR APPLICATION STANDOUT
Thoughtfulness  - time spent for the product
Clear description
Awesome videos - great videos describe your product
Numbers -  KPI, Matric etc.
Relevant experience
Recommendations - from VC/ Business Angels / etc.
Engage Us - we want to know you better




Five Most Important Criteria
Team
Team
Team
Market
Product

Accelerator Program (3 months "Bootcamp" Program)
1)Mentor Engagement and Feedback
2)Guidance on Product and Market Fit
3)Preparation for Fundraising


Techstars have a company with 12 customer and the time we left the company has 700 customer
We are looking for international market, not just U.S.
You can buy back the equity invested by us (same values)
Acceptance rate @ TechStars is almost equal to 1% (I said "Ayoyo" in my mind)
At TechStars, we networked people to ensure all entrepreneurs are connected
TechStars started with 25 employees, now we have 160 employees


DISCLAIMERS/CAVEATS
Focused on fundraising at the seed stage
Emphasis - raising from angel investors
Raising to Venture Capitals is not necessary
Consult an experienced start-up lawyer


SOURCES TO SEED CAPITAL
Self-funding grant
Crowdfunding
Angel investors
Business Operations
Family, Friend and F.... (3F)
Seed funds from VCs/Seed Program
Accelerator Progam


KEYS TO SUCCESS = PREPARATION
Run a process
Determine when and the amount to raise
*I need to raise USD1 million in order to achieve sales of USD$25 million
Convertible note vs price round
Angle, Micro VCs, VCs - track each conversation in CRM
Fundraising is a race - don't run out of bullets.



How much are you looking to raise?
Set a low baseline amount that you can confidently raise
Investor loves free-options

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