AchievingEntrepreneurialSuccessinSiliconValley…TheWorld′s.pptVIP

TEN - The Enterprise Network of Silicon Valley Achieving Entrepreneurial Success in Silicon Valley… The World’s Best Venture Formation EnvironmentJune 13, 2006 Dr. Bill Musgrave President CEO The Enterprise Network of Silicon Valley Where Entrepreneurs Launch Great Companies Background on Silicon Valley World’s largest concentration of venture capital Major research institutions, universities, and technology corporations Cultural melting pot – over 100 languages spoken Open and risk-taking culture Some 40% of companies are started by foreign born entrepreneurs Major professional service companies to support entrepreneurs. Technology startups are economic backbone of the region. Great opportunity in Silicon Valley, but you have to be very good and aggressive to make it. Networking for Success Constantly be networking – attend 2 or 3 events a week. Use your Latino network, but you should go way beyond and build new contacts – be multicultural – get imbedded into the fabric of Silicon Valley. Speak English Ways to Network: Join trade and professional associations Attend trade shows Attend networking events Take courses at universities Join athletic clubs Network online, e.g. join LinkedIn and use LinkSV Leverage professional service firms (lawyers, accountants, consultants) for their contacts. Link to Research Centers and Universities Federal Government NASA Ames Lawrence Livermore National Lab Sandia National Lab Universities Stanford UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz Santa Clara Corporate/Industry Research Centers SAP Labs HP Labs IBM Almaden Link to Investors Always seek an introduction – never just send in your business plan. Have a crisp 1 or 2 page executive summary Have a great Power Point presentation (8 to 10 pages). Be prepared to pitch your company in 3 to 5 minutes max. Study their websites to get a feel for what they are seeking. Select the right investors. The right attorne