September 2010

Alex Taussig: What a VC Does

Fred Wilson is one of my favorite venture bloggers. Over at AVC, he wrote a post a little while ago entitled What a CEO Does. Speaking on a panel this weekend at Harvard College on careers in finance, I had to describe what I do and realized that people still view VC as something of a "black box." The intent of this post is to give entrepreneurs (and the rest of you) a bit of a peak inside.

How One Event Can Change Everything: The birth of Greenhorn Connect and the start of my career in startups

 It was getting late and it was time to make a decision. Would I take the hit and spend the $300 to go the 2009 MassTLC unConference and try to figure out how I would get out to Burlington, MA that morning? It was a tough question. I had graduated a month earlier, was unemployed and just starting to discover the Boston startup community.  It seemed like a lot of money and I really wasn't looking forward to taking a 90 minute bus ride out to the Sun campus.

I was ready to pass on it for travel reasons alone when my roommate's friend suddenly mentioned she worked in Burlington and could give me a ride.  I decided that was enough of a reason to go...and it would be the best decision I ever made; the 2009 MassTLC unConference is the reason you are reading this here today.

Tax Season Recommendations For Startups

Getting your start up and running is a great start; but you need to make sure to keep track of your financial transactions and have everything you need as you approach tax season. So rather waiting until the last minute, here are a few guidelines that can help you along the way.
 
 

Your Weekly Boston Startup Entrepreneur Events Guide: GreenhornTV Ep.43: Sept 26th - Oct 3rd

And just like that September has flown by.  With great events like Startup Bootcamp and  Web Innovators in the rear view mirror and FutureM and BREWBoston rapidly approaching.  But don't miss this week, the calendar is filled with over 35 different Boston startup entrepreneur networking events and office hours this week. Check out the show and notes below to find out all about them and all the other great happenings in the community this week. And don't forget to check out the Greenhorn Connect Calendar for all your Boston startup entrepreneur networking events and office hours needs.

Founder's Friday: Isabella Products

Who are the faces behind a company? How did the company get started? These are common question you may have about startups you see and hear about. If you don't get a chance to personally meet the founders, you're unlikely to ever know their story. That's what Founder Fridays is all about.

Today we have Matthew Growney from Isabella Products, a company that makes next-generation consumer wireless products and services.

 

 

5 Tips for Networking Success

With fall in full swing, many of you are probably checking out the Boston startup community for the first time. Whether you’re a student with your first great startup idea or someone looking to leave a big company for a startup, there’s a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your networking experience.

So you think you have a good idea?

Thinking of new ways to solve a problem is a great feeling and can sometimes lead to starting a company.  Making sure you take the necessary steps to the vent the concept can save you a lot of time, less headaches, and help you decide whether it’s a ‘Go’ or ‘No Go’ situation.
 

Here are a few quick methods that can help aid you in determining if you’re going down the right path:


Your Weekly Boston Startup Entrepreneur Events Guide: GreenhornTV Ep.42: Sept 19th - Sept 25th

 Hard to believe we're over halfway through September already, but it's never been a better time to be an entrepreneur in Boston.  We just had an amazing Startup Bootcamp followed by the largest Web Innovators event ever, while FutureM and BREWBoston are both right around the corner.  Not to be outdone, the calendar is jam packed with over 50 different Boston startup entrepreneur networking events and office hours this week. Check out the show and notes below to find out all about them and all the other great happenings in the community this week. And don't forget to check out the Greenhorn Connect Calendar for all your Boston startup entrepreneur networking events and office hours needs.

Founder's Friday: EqualApp

Who are the faces behind a company? How did the company get started? These are common question you may have about startups you see and hear about. If you don't get a chance to personally meet the founders, you're unlikely to ever know their story. That's what Founder Fridays is all about.

This week we have Marc Zawel, Co-Founder and CEO of EqualApp, an online resource system that will change the way high school students get counseling for college.

Branding U: Entrepreneurs and Startups Building Their New Branded Company

By definition being an entrepreneur requires a diversity of skills, and the ability to own the risks involved in forging your own pathway.  But hey, if you’ve done that - Congrats! You have what is takes to dive into the “Big Pond” of commerce.

Elements of Success: 5 Reasons Startup Bootcamp Crushed It

Startup Bootcamp this past weekend was an absolutely amazing day of entrepreneurship in Boston. Over 1,000 students, startupers and investors showed up live with another 1,500+ watching online.  You can read great recaps by Tim Chae, Jason BaptisteDan Ronken and BostonWomenPreneurs.  What I'd like to focus on what the key elements were in the event that we should ensure all future events take into consideration.

Less is More: Funding Amount for Startups

It is often suggested that more of anything is the best option. Why not get the most bang for your buck , right? Well in terms of capital required by startups, I personally believe that ‘Less is More’.  Let’s take a look at why…..