Dayten Israel, J.D.’s Post

Diving Into Entrepreneurship: A Harvard Guide for Aspiring Innovators Harvard University's Office of Technology Development (OTD) has crafted a must-read "Startup Guide" for its faculty, graduates, and postdocs eager to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. This comprehensive manual not only demystifies the startup journey but also acts as a beacon, guiding innovators through the complexities of bringing lab discoveries to market. Why Leap into Startup Life? The guide kicks off by pondering the essence of startup formation. Not all inventions are cut out for the startup route; however, for those that are, this path can fast-track development, offering a focused approach to solving unmet market needs. With the OTD’s expertise, Harvard’s visionaries are equipped to assess if their breakthroughs are ripe for startup success, considering market demand, competition, funding avenues, and more. From Idea to Impact Embarking on this venture involves meticulous planning and strategic decision-making. The OTD stands ready to guide every step of the way – from protecting intellectual property to fleshing out a business plan, securing funding, and beyond. Engaging with the guide, entrepreneurs learn the importance of early dialogue with potential customers and investors, ensuring their solution addresses real-world problems efficiently. Fueling Innovation with Funding A pivotal chapter in the startup saga is funding. The guide provides a deep dive into various sources – from grants and angel investors to venture capitalists. Success stories, like Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics For All (DFA), illustrate how strategic partnerships and funding have catapulted Harvard innovations from concept to commercial triumph. Pitch Perfect When it’s time to shine in front of investors, the guide offers invaluable advice on crafting a compelling narrative that highlights the technology’s unique value, market potential, and the team’s expertise. Success hinges on a well-orchestrated pitch that persuasively articulates the startup’s vision and operational roadmap. The Path Forward "Startup Guide" concludes with a treasure trove of resources and a call to action for Harvard’s entrepreneurial community. It underscores the importance of leveraging OTD’s wealth of knowledge, networking within Harvard’s vibrant startup ecosystem, and embracing the journey’s challenges with passion and resilience. Harvard’s "Startup Guide" is more than a handbook; it's a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal progress. For those at the frontier of research and innovation, it’s a golden ticket to turning groundbreaking ideas into solutions that shape a better future. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #HarvardStartup #TechnologyTransfer #StartupGuide

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the journey from an idea to a successful startup can be fraught with challenges. One of the most significant hurdles for aspiring founders is securing the necessary funding to bring their vision to life. I would be discussing on the stages of sourcing for funding. PRE-SEED FUNDING It is also know as” pre-seed capital” this is when you need money to turn your idea into something tangible. It is a initial round of financing that helps startup before the full development of a product. The funding of this stage is basically from the founder’s personal savings, family , friends or Angel investor who belief in the idea of the product of the team behind the product.Some key points about pre-seed funding are: 1.) Most common uses of this pre-seed funding i. Setting up infrastructure e.g materials, equipments and office space. ii. Designing your initial product iii. Developing the MVP( minimum viable product) iv. Achieving early milestones. 2.) Purpose of Pre-seed funding: it is about turning idea into something tangible that can attract further investment. i. Validate set up idea ii. Develop a prototype iii. Conduct market research 3.) Amount of pre-seed funding: It vary widely but it usually range from a few thousand to a couple of hundred thousand dollars. It should be enough to cover initial expenses like product development, marketing and operational cost. 4.) Investors of pre-seed: They are typically mere risk-tolerant since the product is in it infancy. They include: i. Family and friends( often 1st source for many entrepreneurs) ii. Angel investors: individual who invest their personal funds in the startups, they have appetite for risk. iii. Incubators and Accelerators: programs that provide funding, mentorship and resources in exchange for equity. 5.) Equity: paper-seed investors in exchange for their investment often receive equity in the company. This means they own a percentage of the startup and may have a say in business decisions as it grows. Difference Between Pre-seed and Seed feeding 1.) seed funding typically functions as the official round of funding, it involves more formal investing and provides more instrumental growth after the pre-seed funding stage. 2.) Founder tend to get higher investments through seed funding than pre-seed funding for instance pre-seed is $50000 to $250000 while seed funding $2million upward. 3.) During the seed funding round , investors typically want the company to have gained a degree of traction while pre-seed funding precedes the product development in most cases. #3MTTlearning #3MTTNigeria #Productmanagement #Lasucbt18

Attending Sir Prasad Shetty talk at JECRC University was an enlightening experience, especially for anyone interested in startups and entrepreneurship. Sir Prasad Shetty , an esteemed expert in the field, shared a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that resonated with the audience, leaving them inspired and motivated. One of the key points he emphasized was the importance of having a strong, innovative idea at the core of any AWS Startups , startup. He explained that while execution is crucial, the foundation of a successful startup lies in the originality and feasibility of its core concept. Without a compelling idea, even the most well-executed plans can falter. This was a reminder that aspiring entrepreneurs should spend ample time brainstorming and refining their initial concepts before diving into the operational aspects of their ventures. In addition to the significance of a robust idea, Sir Prasad Shetty highlighted the necessity of a solid business plan. He stressed that a well-thought-out plan serves as a roadmap for the startup, guiding it through the various stages of growth and helping it navigate challenges along the way. This plan should include detailed financial projections, market analysis, and a clear strategy for scaling the business. For students and budding entrepreneurs in the audience, this was a crucial takeaway, underscoring the need to balance creative ideation with practical planning. Another vital aspect Sir Prasad Shetty covered was the role of incubators in the startup ecosystem. He elaborated on how incubators provide essential support to startups, offering resources that are often inaccessible to young entrepreneurs. These resources include mentorship from seasoned professionals, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and access to funding. Sir Prasad pointed out that incubators create an environment conducive to growth, where startups can learn, experiment, and refine their models before entering the competitive market. This segment of the talk shed light on the various ways incubators can significantly impact a startup’s trajectory, encouraging students to consider leveraging such platforms for their ventures. Sir Prasad Shetty also touched upon the emotional and psychological aspects of Entrepreneurship. Sir Prasad Shetty talk at JECRC University was a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His emphasis on the importance of a strong idea, a solid business plan, and the supportive role of incubators provided valuable insights into the world of startups. Additionally, his candid discussion about the emotional aspects of Entrepreneurship added a personal touch, making the session both informative and relatable. For those who attended, this talk was not just an educational experience but a catalyst for their Entrepreneurial aspirations #IIT BOMBAY #STARTUP #GOOGLE #JECRC #JU

🌐 **The New Wave of Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Tech Startup Ecosystem** The world of tech startups is a vibrant, ever-evolving landscape, marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and disruption. In recent years, we've witnessed a significant shift in how startups approach technology, with more entrepreneurs than ever leveraging advanced tools and methodologies to bring their visions to life. This seismic shift is not just reshaping industries; it's redefining the very essence of entrepreneurship. A report from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) highlighted that nearly 100 million startups are launched annually, which translates to approximately three startups per second. The tech sector, in particular, stands out for its high potential for scalability and impact, attracting a substantial portion of this entrepreneurial energy. One of the defining characteristics of the new wave of tech entrepreneurship is its focus on solving complex, global issues through technology. From AI-driven healthcare solutions to sustainable energy platforms powered by Big Data, startups today are not just about profit; they're about purpose. This shift towards mission-driven entrepreneurship is attracting a diverse pool of talent and investment, fueling innovation that aims to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Moreover, the democratization of technology, through cloud computing and open-source software, has leveled the playing field, enabling startups with limited resources to compete with established players. Access to a global market, facilitated by digital platforms, further enhances the growth potential of tech startups, empowering them to think bigger and scale faster than ever before. However, navigating the tech startup ecosystem requires more than just a groundbreaking idea. It demands resilience, a knack for continuous learning, and an adaptive mindset to pivot and evolve as the market dynamics change. Building a successful tech startup is about assembling a team that shares your vision and passion, capable of driving innovation while navigating the uncertainties of the startup journey. At Tetra Technology, we recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that tech startups face. Our suite of services, ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Mobile Application Development and Data Engineering, is designed to empower startups to accelerate their growth and achieve their full potential. We believe in partnering with entrepreneurs, providing them with the technological expertise and support they need to transform their ideas into reality. 🚀 The new wave of tech entrepreneurship is here, and it promises a future where innovation fuels not just economic growth, but societal progress as well. At Tetra Technology, we are committed to being a catalyst for this transformation, enabling startups to thrive in this dynamic ecosystem. Find your how: https://lnkd.in/e7CUsf2q

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works #Incubator Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Growth Over the past decade it has incubated 117+ member companies that have created 849 new jobs, raised $205 million in capital, and generated $123+ million in revenue. Administered by Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement, Rev helps #startups launch and grow with dedicated workspace, personalized mentorship and entrepreneurial education opportunities. “Rev was created with the goal of not just being a place for entrepreneurs to work but one where Rev is a home for area entrepreneurship” Rev director Ken Rother said. When Rev started in 2014 at Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College, it had 6 member companies. Now, Ithaca (a city of 30k residents) ranks among the top startup ecosystems in the US. As Ithaca's only off-campus incubator, Rev provides a launchpad for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds – including community members, researchers, Cornellians and more! "Rev has built a place where the generations that come after us see Ithaca and this community as a place to found and scale a company" said Andrea Ippolito ’06, MEng ’07, founder of the baby-feeding startup SimpliFed and senior lecturer in the Cornell Civil & Environmental Engineering. Rev's flagship programs include its 3 free #Hardware #Accelerator programs that help founders develop, scale and launch their physical product startups. Since its first hardware program in 2015, Rev has worked with 125 hardware companies. Cornell spinouts that underwent Rev's programs include Capro-X Inc., a startup #upcycling #dairy waste, and Heat Inverse, a clean cooling technology startup, have transformed their technologies into scalable products – both of which are still based in Ithaca. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gEi3we4s #entrepreneurship #startups #resources #ithaca #upstateNY

Top 10 Startup Resources for Students: Kickstart Your Entrepreneurial Journey 1. Y Combinator’s Startup School www.startupschool.org Y Combinator’s Startup School is a free online program offering lectures, resources, and a supportive community for budding entrepreneurs. This platform is invaluable for students because it provides access to insights from successful founders and a chance to join a network of like-minded peers globally. 2. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries leanstartup.co The Lean Startup methodology emphasizes rapid experimentation, validated learning, and iterative product releases. Students benefit from this resource by learning how to efficiently test their ideas with minimal resources, making it ideal for those with limited budgets and time. 3. MIT OpenCourseWare: Entrepreneurship https://lnkd.in/eFbrxFd3 MIT’s OpenCourseWare offers free access to a variety of entrepreneurship courses, including lectures, assignments, and reading materials. For students, this is a goldmine of top-tier educational content, allowing them to learn at their own pace from one of the world’s leading institutions. 4. Techstars Student Programs https://lnkd.in/e5_pCF34 Techstars offers specialized programs for students, including startup weekends and accelerators designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This is a fantastic resource for students looking to immerse themselves in a startup environment, gain mentorship, and potentially secure funding for their ventures. 5. Khan Academy’s Entrepreneurship Section www.khanacademy.org Khan Academy’s Entrepreneurship section provides a series of video tutorials on key aspects of starting and running a business. The straightforward and accessible format is perfect for students who need foundational knowledge delivered in a clear, concise manner.

Fyi: “#MTC Announces 2024 Regional Node Grant Program Recipients” Some detail, please read all of content for more important details, Thanks #StartLouis. “A total of $1.3 million in funding has been approved by the MTC Board of Directors for the inaugural round of the Regional Node Grant Program to provide funds for the implementation or execution of each region’s strategy for the establishment or continued operations of regional entrepreneurial nodes throughout Missouri.” “#TechSTL TechSTL is joined by core node members, #Capacity, #EcoMapTechnologies, #Tenacity, #NewsLabInc., and #Hapacity in establishing a regional node in the St. Louis Region via #StartupSTL. The node is committed to connecting the small business and high-growth startup community of the St. Louis Metro area to resources, capital, and each other.” “#OPOStartupsFoundation (Confluence Tech Hub) The OPO Startups Foundation is joined by core node members, #OPO Startups, #EconomicDevelopmentCouncil (#EDC) of St. Charles County, #LindenwoodUniversity, #StCharlesCommunityCollege, and the #StCharlesCountyGovernment, to establish the “#ConfluenceTechHub”, a regional node dedicated to fostering a thriving ecosystem of technology entrepreneurship in St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln counties through a framework of six pillars 1) organization, 2) promotion, 3) recruitment, 4) funding, 5) education and programs, and 6) impact.” — Repost by #StartLouis. __ O:091624-0241a) __

Despite receiving far less funding, recent Boston Consulting Group research stats show that women-led businesses generate higher revenue and better ROI. Let’s fix the funding gap and back these brilliant founders! 🚀 Thanks for sharing Emmie Faust #femalefounders #funding #investing

Lecture 3 - Before the Startup Here's a summary of the lecture by Paul Graham on "Before the Startup" Overview: Paul Graham explains that expertise in startups is not necessary for success, but rather understanding the needs of users is key. Faking success with investors can be dangerous, as the focus should be on creating something people want. He advises against starting a startup in college, instead emphasizing the importance of learning and gaining domain expertise. Key Points: 1. Startups are counterintuitive and require advice that goes against our instincts. - Paul believes that knowledge about startups has not yet permeated our culture. - He compares startups to skiing, where our first impulse is to lean back. - He mentions that having kids helps him focus on giving advice. 2. Expertise in understanding users is more important than being knowledgeable about the mechanics of starting a startup. - Zuckerberg succeeded in Facebook despite being a complete beginner in startups. - Understanding users well is crucial for startup success. - Learning the mechanics of starting a startup may not be necessary and can even be dangerous. - Many founders make the mistake of going through the motions of starting a startup without focusing on creating something people want. 3. Faking may work with investors to some extent, but it is not in the interest of startups to do so. - In startups, there is no boss to trick, only users who care about whether the software does what they want. 4. Starting a startup in college is not recommended as it takes over your entire life and you won't be able to focus on being a student (I don't 100% agree with is point). 5. To come up with good startup ideas, don't make a conscious effort to think of them, instead, turn your brain into the type that has startup ideas unconsciously. Yahoo, Google, Facebook, and Apple all started as side projects. 6. The optimal thing to do in college to become a successful startup founder is to focus on learning powerful things and have genuine intellectual curiosity. - The component of entrepreneurship that matters is domain expertise. - The ultimate advice for young startup founders is to just learn. 7. Paul Graham explains the difference between high prices and a bubble in the startup world. - bubble is when people knowingly pay high prices in the hope of unloading it later on someone else. 8. Paul Graham discusses the importance of focus and how he works on different tasks. - He explains that during Y Combinator, he was forced to work efficiently due to deadlines and the need to read applications. - Paul Graham also mentions that he involuntarily starts working on exciting things like writing essays. Thank you #PaulGraham for the amazing lecture. Much appreciation to Y Combinator and Stanford University for bringing these invaluable insights to us. Here's a link to the original lecture: https://lnkd.in/gAzisWSn Peace ✌🏻