MAKING THE DREAM COME TRUE
So, you already have an impressive idea for a product. You have built a small team, have a solid business plan in place, and are confident there’s a place for you in even the most competitive of marketplaces.
Now for the tricky part, how do you finance your idea?
Whether you’re an investor exploring new deals, or a startup seeking capital and exposure – the Calling All Entrepreneurs - Meet The VC startup event is something you don’t want to miss!
These are where startups often launch themselves or come out of stealth mode, and the early bird can often catch the worm by being among the first potential investors to approach a hot startup.)
The Calling All Entrepreneurs - Meet The VC startup event was held last June 13, 2018, at WeWork. Entrepreneurs come to meet a panel of amazing VCs, discover more regarding their take on early-stage companies, what they prefer to see in entrepreneurs and feedback on how a startup ought to be shaping up to secure funding.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
If you’ve never raised venture capital before, it’s can be a confusing process. Early stage companies grow by attracting capital. Capital comes from investors, often referred to as venture capitalists (VC). VCs are highly sophisticated investors who have tremendous expertise in investing in early-stage companies and are savvy regarding the issues that are vital to investors.
If you are getting your business up and running, Trinet, WSGR and Early Growth Financials already read your mind and is very willing to provide you with answers. Together with a panel of wonderful VCs, they provided cutting-edge vital experience and insight, plus a mentorship that can give an edge to any business idea.
Meet The Organizers
- TriNet
TriNet is a strategic partner to growing companies looking to get the best benefits at competitive rates and streamline HR for company growth while ensuring compliance with US employment regulations and laws.
- Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises globally. It represents companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture corporations, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them.
- Early Growth Financial Services
A team of finance and tax professionals who acknowledge founders and their businesses, decreasing the monetary difficulties and administrative headaches that accompany running an early-stage company.
Working with EGFS provides you an unparalleled benefit of leveraging the network of venture capitalists, law firms, banks, HR/Payroll firms, promoting agencies and other players in the startup ecosystem.
Meet the Panel
- Katie Schwartz of Crosslink Capital
Venture Investor at Crosslink Capital which is a leading early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco
- Tanya Loh of M12 (Formerly Microsoft Ventures)
Tanya concentrates on venture capital engagement, working with the best teams backing and developing the future. An experienced marketing and operations executive, Tanya has organized and produced several startups in the market.
- Zach Gonzales of Norwest Venture Partners
Zach centers his venture investments in healthcare, including healthcare services, healthcare IT, medical devices and digital health.
Before entering Norwest, Zach was an analyst in the healthcare software practice at Raymond James & Associates in Denver, CO. In this position, he examined and executed mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, financings and other business development opportunities.
- Julia Schottenstein of NEA
Julia joined NEA in 2016 as an investor in the technology team and has worked with a variety of software, internet, and networking companies.
These top-tier venture investors dwell on: VC investment trends, techniques for investing in early-stage ventures, methods for gaining and getting capital, what they look for in early-stage companies, the kinds of companies they find most engaging, and the do’s and don’ts in structuring ventures.
STARTUP NETWORKING EVENTS: WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
Finding good startups is important but finding investors who can support these companies is equally as important.
The primary idea behind a startup networking event is to encourage people to connect. They can help a developer to meet a designer or business person or a marketer, moreover, it provides startups with opportunities to understand what other people are working on and learn about the competition, maybe even give them the extra drive they need to kick start their company.
5 WAYS EVENTS HELP STARTUPS GROW
- LEARN
Startup events can tap into a definite niche and address customers who are looking for a community, a place, and a message that resonate with their own life or business which provide a different value to its attendees.
- GET RECOGNIZED
A startup event is a great place to get recognition for your own ideas. This means showcasing the best campaigns and results to investors who are willing to commit more money to a successful operation.
- BRANDING
Events are a significant opportunity for brands to drive face-to-face engagement with people from all walks of life across cultural, demographic and geographical boundaries.
- MOTIVATION
There is actually no better way to get inspired than through the sharing of ideas.
Creating bridges for startups to grow faster and prosper, expand their network and break national barriers through connections and collaboration.
- BOOST ENGAGEMENT
Making their own ecosystem thrive and grow.
The Calling All Entrepreneurs - Meet The VC startup event was hailed as a success .It was a proof that startup events can produce a platform to communicate with target audiences. It only goes to show that even in this digital age, where information is so much easier to obtain, people will always prefer – and want – to meet face-to-face, enjoy being immersed in an influential organization and share its success.
So are VC networking event worth your precious startup time?
YES. DEFINITELY.
Also published on Medium.