Gaselli ICT Entrepreneur Bootcamp 2: Silicon Valley
October 7 - 8 | Korjaamo, Helsinki
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
FinNode USA | Verso | Gaselli
Gaselli ICT Entrepreneur Bootcamp 2: Silicon Valley is an intensive two-day workshop bringing together selected Finnish ICT entrepreneurs and leading Silicon Valley start up expert Bill Joos. This Bootcamp combines core skill sets and specific tools required for market opportunity understanding, and possible transition to the US.
The Bootcamp is organized by FinNode USA – the Finnish Innovation Center in Silicon Valley – and by Verso – Vertical Software Solutions Program by Tekes. The Bootcamp is part of the FinNode Gaselli Program – Business Acceleration to Silicon Valley.
During this Bootcamp you’ll learn answers to questions such as these:
- What are the pros and cons of going to the US?
- Is the timing right?
- What US specific challenges do I face going there?
- What can I learn from other Nordic entrepreneurs?
- How can I grow my US presence most efficiently?
- How do I raise US venture money in this economy?
- What are the common mistakes in US business plans?
- How do I best “pitch” to US investors, customers and partners?
"Bootcamp gave us valuable insights on what is expected in the US when it comes to customers and investors. In addition, we achieved more in one month in Silicon Valley than we have achieved in Finland in 6 months! You have to be in Silicon Valley if you want to play the game, and Bootcamp prepares you well for that."
- Tero Salonen, CEO LinkoTec/Dazzboard
AGENDA IN BRIEF: (Detailed Bootcamp Agenda)
Day 1, Wednesday, Oct 7
- Registration/Arrival
- Welcome Remarks and Conference Review
- Attendee's Self-Introductions
- Gaselli Program Overview
- Top 10 Mistakes in Business Plans
- Learn Before You Burn
- Perfecting Your Positioning
- Case: Dazzboard/LinkoTec
- Heroes – Real Stories from Real Finns
- Lessons from the Trenches
- Day Recap
- Networking with previous bootcampers for valuable insights and experience sharing
- Defining & Communicating Your Messages
- How to Hold and Effective Customer or Investor Meeting Board of Advisors
- Elevator Pitch Preparation
- Elevator Pitch Test
- Elevator Pitch Workshops (Group A, Group B)
- Conference Wrap-up
- Individual Company "1 on 1" meetings with trainers
- First come, first served basis
- 45-60 minutes
- Open Agenda; company to select
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND:
While not without its challenges, the US market is compelling for entrepreneurs the world over.
Why?
- It represents 40% of the global technology market.
- Nordic venture firms say that their successful companies grow much faster in the US.
- Valuations for successful US startups are often 2-3 times higher than in Europe.
- It provides a broader access to funding and exit opportunities.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
As many Bootcamp activities involve interactive workshop assignments specific to your company, two executives should attend this Bootcamp, one of which must be the CEO or founder. The second attendee may be a co-founder, or the person in charge of marketing or business development.
The Bootcamp is designed for ICT companies (Software, Digital Media, Mobile, Gaming, Telecommunications) but if your company's core business is in other industries but there's a strong ICT component in your product or service, you should consider attending.
The Bootcamp is open for non-Verso companies as well.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: October 7-8, 2009
Venue: Korjaamo (Vaunusali), Töölönkatu 51B, 00250 Helsinki
PRICE
EUR 1000 per company (includes 2 participants per company)
HOW AND WHEN DO I APPLY TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS BOOTCAMP?
To apply for the Bootcamp, click to fill out the application form.
The DEADLINE for the application is SEPTEMBER 15, 2009. Please note that we have limited amount of seats, so please send in your application as early as possible.
MORE INFORMATION
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the following people:
- FinNode USA:
- Pekka Parnanen (tel: +1-408-748-7400, e-mail: pekka.parnanen@finpro.fi)
- Thuong Tan (tel: +1-408-748-7400, e-mail: thuong.tan@tekes.fi)
FinNode USA is Finland's official access node to a global network of resources. We are a business and technology community designed to help companies hook up with partners in Finland and the U.S. – whether you are looking for specific IP, cutting-edge research, R&D resources or even available talent, you can probably find it here.
Verso – Vertical Software Solutions is a market-based program. Its main aim is to digitalize and automate business processes and to promote expertise in business activities as well as internationalization within businesses, selected customer sectors and clusters. Verso will help to generate new, innovative software products, collaboration and services that are both customer and market-oriented, as well as integrated and comprehensive solutions to meet the needs of important application areas and customer groups in the international market. It will also enhance the establishment and development of customer-sector specific clusters. Verso will run from 2006 to 2010. The total program budget amounts to EUR 120 million, of which Tekes is providing EUR 56 million.
Bill Joos is the principal of "Go To Market Consulting", based in Palo Alto, California. He works with early stage startups, venture capital firms and their portfolio clients. Prior to this Bill was VP of Entrepreneur Development at Garage Technology Ventures, an early stage venture capital firm that he co-founded along with Guy Kawasaki. His reputation at Garage was that he provided their clients with effective, hands-on, action-oriented strategic and tactical mentoring and coaching. Bill has worked with literally hundreds of early-to-mid stage high technology startups and helped them polish and clarify their messages and refine their fund-raising and customer presentations; but his contributions to them extended well beyond being a "Pitch Doctor". He has mentored and coached them in go-to-market strategies, revenue and pricing optimization, business alliances, business development,partnerships, and marketing.