Career Up Club’s Post

Upcoming Vancouver Tech Community events + the next Techstars Startup Weekend Vancouver Founders Huddle: Share Your Startup Story and Get Support Founders Huddle is a monthly event where up to three founders can use 5-10 minutes to share what business they are building, what kind of challenges they are facing, and what kind of help they need. The audience can then ask questions, offer suggestions, and provide resources to help the founders overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals. This is a great opportunity to learn from other founders’ experiences, network with like-minded entrepreneurs, and find potential collaborators, mentors, or investors. Whether you are a seasoned founder or just starting out, you are welcome to join us and be part of this supportive community. Learn more or get your tickets here: April 24th Richmond Founders Huddle => https://lnkd.in/gebv9wHU May 23rd Vancouver Founders Huddle => https://lnkd.in/gBYA3R8M May 2 - Disrupt with AI: From Pain Points to Business Opportunities This event is tailored for domain experts, industry insiders, and ambitious entrepreneurs who are ready to disrupt the status quo and create groundbreaking AI startups that address the most pressing challenges in their respective fields. Learn more or get your tickets here => https://lnkd.in/gaEJNskR May 17,18,25 - Techstars Startup Weekend Vancouver Do you have a problem to solve or an idea you’d like to bring to life but don't know where to start? Or who to start with? Or do you want to learn how to build a startup and an entrepreneurial mindset? Startup Weekend is here to help! You can come with an idea (it should be something that isn’t already an up and running business) and an existing team, or just bring yourself! If you don’t have an idea that’s fine - you’ll hear pitches from people on Friday night and have the opportunity to join someone else and work on the idea they present. Technical skills, programming skills, or business skills are not a requirement. You will form teams with other participants with different skill sets. Learn more or get your tickets here => https://lnkd.in/gri89P3u

Leave advice so I can read it!!

The “SECRET” to startup success is a LIE — and I feel like we should talk about it. From my years in the entrepreneurial ecosystem—and now leading Texas strategy at MassChallenge — I’ve worked with thousands of small businesses. Over and over, I’ve seen hungry, anxious, entrepreneurs search for the anecdote to building a unicorn business. During the early days of a startup, your capacity is maxed out, you are running into a bunch of unknowns … figuring out which lever to pull—and when—can feel next to impossible. All of this is HARD F*%&ING WORK. You hit a wall … or you simply don’t know where to go or what to do next. That’s when they come. The so-called gurus slip in to sell you the “secret”. They prey on your confusion and self-doubt, promising a magical formula for building a multimillion-dollar business. They point to the only credibility they have, a strategically photographed lifestyle and social proof—millions of followers—to earn your trust. So you fork over the money, only to discover their guidance is either recycled tips you could’ve found on Google or ChatGPT or worse… it’s flat out wrong. Where is this promised secret?! Let me be the first to share that there is no secret. A differentiated product or service that the market finds value in. A smart operational strategy. Innovation in product, process or price. Access to capital. A marketing/sales/distribution plan. A dope team. That’s the blueprint. There is no secret. What there IS, however, is direct, specific insight. That’s why most VC firms and accelerators worth their salt offer intentional human investment and/or mentorship by an experienced entrepreneur or industry expert alongside their capital. You will not learn how to run a sustainable business with a $249 e-workshop. Unfortunately, that is not how this works. Directly applicable insights from those who’ve walked the path is what will help you — far more than any cookie-cutter generic microseries will be. I have included a few questions in the comments to ask yourself about the workshop/class you’re investing in to help you navigate prior to investing. If you are a #founder, #investor, or otherwise working in the entrepreneurial ecosystem please leave advice for how other entrepreneurs can navigate this crazy world.

The takeaway below is that some $249 virtual seminar won't take the place of working hard for success. But the larger message is that many entrepreneurs or founders fall into the trap of worshipping prosperity, or the prosperous. It's important to differentiate the notion of amassing personal wealth or power, versus recognizing those who work hard and effectively to serve others, regardless of personal gain.

TOP 3 Places to Meet Entrepreneurs 🏢💡 I often hear: "I want to build a startup, but where do I even begin?" Or: "I want to expand my network, but I don’t know where to find entrepreneurs!" If you’ve never been exposed to the world of entrepreneurship, here’s exactly where to start: 👉 Coworking Spaces Grab a day pass, or show up at their events and start conversations. You’ll meet founders, freelancers, and creatives working on the next big thing. 👉 Startup Events & Meetups Check sites like Meetup.com and Eventbrite for local startup events or pitch nights. Great for learning and networking! 👉 Volunteer at Startup Events Volunteer at events and provide value. It’s a powerful way to build real, lasting connections with driven entrepreneurs. Can't recommend enough, if you are just starting your career! Go where the founders are, and start building your network today! 🚀 #Entrepreneurship #Networking #StartupLife #BusinessGrowth #FounderMindset

"Startups are all about taking chances, sharing ideas, and learning from others" I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a startup event that brought together some of the most passionate entrepreneurs and innovators. From the energy in the room to the diversity of ideas being exchanged, it was an experience that truly captured the spirit of the startup world. I also had the privilege of stepping on stage to deliver a 60-second elevator pitch in front of a room full of bright minds. In those 60 seconds, I realized something important: - Pitching is not just about presenting an idea; it’s about clarity and telling a story that resonates. - An idea that does not solve any problem is just an idea. - You don’t need 10 minutes to make an impact. But more than pitching, it was the conversations afterward that were the real highlight. Meeting like-minded entrepreneurs who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, both the wins and the struggles, reminded me why I love being a part of this community. Key takeaways from the day: 1️⃣ The value of feedback: Every conversation helped me refine not just my pitch but also my perspective. 2️⃣ The power of networking: Success in the startup world isn’t just about what you know, it’s about who you connect with. 3️⃣ The importance of showing up: You can’t grow your ideas sitting on the sidelines. I walked away inspired and with a deeper appreciation for the grind that every founder goes through. Events like these are a reminder that we’re all in this together, building something from nothing, one step at a time. A big thank you to the organizers for creating such a vibrant space for entrepreneurs to connect and learn. 🚀 To everyone reading this, if you’ve been to an event like this or are thinking about attending one, I’d love to hear your experience! #Startup #MVP #Networking #SoftwareDevelopment

Is your network holding you back? 🤔 Struggling to find the right people or team to bring your knowledge-intensive ideas to life? Many aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers face the same challenge. A lack of industry connections can limit access to the right partners, co-founders, or investors—and slow your progress. 🛑 The success of your startup often depends on finding the right people—whether it’s a co-founder who shares your vision, investors who believe in your idea, or partners who help you scale. Without the right network, finding these key individuals can feel like an uphill battle. ⛰️ That's where Innokite, a university business incubator, steps in with: 🌱 Industry connections and investors to fuel your growth. 🎯 Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs who’ve been there. 🤝 A supportive network of peers who understand your challenges. At Innokite, we’re more than just an incubator—we’re a community that turns challenges into stepping stones and helps you scale your idea. Ready to expand your network, grow your idea, and make an impact? Don’t wait—join our incubator and let your innovative idea take flight! ⤵️ ---------------- P.S. For more entrepreneurship tips, insights, and guidance, connect with our manager, Richard Rushby. #Entrepreneurship #FutureFounders #Networking #BusinessIncubator #Mentorship #StartupCommunity #Growth

When I walked into the fireside chat with the founder of redBus, I wasn’t expecting much. After all, I don’t plan on becoming an entrepreneur but what I didn’t anticipate was how that one hour would leave me with lessons I’ll carry far beyond the entrepreneurial world. The session revolved around one mantra: resilience and fearlessness. “If you practice the art of being fearless,” he said, “even if you don’t end up an entrepreneur, you’ll remain healthy.” At that moment, I realized this wasn’t just a conversation about startups. It was a conversation about life. He talked about how starting up requires two key things: 1️⃣ Understanding “what’s your right to win.” 2️⃣ To have conviction and to have the ability to convey conviction. When someone asked him the mandatory tricky question about AI and its impact on entrepreneurship, his answer was refreshingly simple and fearless: “Many big changes will keep happening, but learning to use them to your best advantage is the real key to success.” He then proceeded to share his mindset while building redBus: “In 10 years, no one will stand in a queue to buy tickets. If a change is happening, I might as well make it happen.” This wasn’t just an idea—it was a belief he acted upon. He didn’t wait for the perfect resources or the perfect time. Instead, he and his friends from BITS Pilani taught themselves to code, built the website from scratch, and brought their vision to life. The way he told this story made us all feel like we could do it too. It wasn’t about luck or being born with talent. It was about belief, deciding to make it happen and then making it happen. By the end of the session, I realized this wasn’t just a seminar for aspiring entrepreneurs. It was a call to action for anyone who dreams of making an impact. His words left me with this thought: Resilience and fearlessness are not just traits—they’re tools and whether you’re building a business or navigating life, these tools will always always serve you well.

🚀 Startups, Dreamers, and Go-Getters—This One’s For YOU!😍 📅 Thursday, December 19 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST  🌐 Virtual Speed Networking for Startups & Entrepreneurs! ✨ Imagine this: You’re one connection away from the breakthrough that could change everything. Whether securing funding, landing a game-changing partnership, or finding a mentor who’s been exactly where you are, this is your chance to make it happen.  💡 What’s in it for you? 👇 💸 Investment: Share your vision with investors and VCs who want to help you succeed.   🤝 Partnerships: Collaborate with entrepreneurs who share your drive and ambition.   📚 Mentorship: Gain insights from experienced pros who’ve been through the grind.   🎯 New Clients: Meet potential customers or partners ready to work with you.   🌟 Talent: Discover co-founders, employees, or contractors who can help you scale.  🔥 Why wait on the sidelines when your next opportunity could be one conversation away? This is your moment to dream big, connect with purpose, and take your startup to the next level.  💥 Your success story starts here—don’t miss it. 🔗 Sign up now and take the first step toward your biggest goals: https://lnkd.in/eUVpeyg8 📢 Tag your team, rally your network, and let’s make something extraordinary together! #SpeedNetworking #EntrepreneurLife #StartupJourney #BLKBOOK #gamechanger #networkingevent #NetworkingOpportunities #networkingtips #NetworkingGoals #networkingevents #networkingbusiness #networkingmarketing #NetworkingOpportunity 

Please STOP relying solely on hope as a business strategy. I see too many people launching startups with blind optimism and failing. Do this instead: → Conduct thorough market research to validate your idea before investing time and money. → Develop a solid business plan outlining your goals, target market, and revenue streams. → Test and iterate on your product or service based on real feedback from customers. → Develop a sustainable revenue model that ensures long-term viability. → Build a strong team with complementary skills and a shared vision. The main reason why failure happens is often a lack of preparation and strategy. Save yourself money, validate your idea properly, and solve a real problem in the market. - Enjoyed this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Vamika Singhal for more. Want more such resources for founders or students? Join my free community of 500+ members - comment “community” to get the link :) #startupjourney #howtostartup #youngentrepreneur