Coaching at Startup Grind Global Program 2018 Pitch Bootcamp

I'm excited to serve as a Pitch Coach later this month for the Startup Grind Global Program 2018 Pitch Bootcamp hosted/mc'd by TD Lowe and her team at 42Phi Ventures. The event at Fox Forum in Redwood City is sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank.

TD Lowe is the founder and CEO of EnovationNation and 42Phi Partners are a diverse set of individuals devoted to fixing Venture's opportunity pipeline, inclusivity, and mentorship deficit.

The day precedes the launch of Startup Grind's Global Conference, where TD is the team member in charge of StartupGrind startup program which filters the best performing startups coming to the conference for the investor community.

When the problem is taboo, the investment is taboo?

Congratulations to advertising veteran and entrepreneur Cindy Gallop for successfully raising $2M for her social-sex site Make Love Not Porn. Read the news at TechCrunch.

A year ago I told Cindy this story.

When I was an editor at Internet World magazine in dotcom NYC, I recall I was assigned a porn business story for the day's email newsletter. I was one of the very few women at this trade publication for Internet technology and e-business, and a newer hire. Clearly this wasn't a plum assignment.

It was hard to get any business and industry analysts to even discuss this foundational part of the internet. In the end I had to beg former Internet World staffers-turned-analysts to go on record so I could file the story.

I told Cindy that I often think about that when I see her posts about the struggles of raising funds to solve such a critical, obvious social problem with her service that was already generating $500k/year. 

TBT, training expat entrepreneurs to use social media

This was seven years ago, in Istanbul: talking to a group from the International Women of Istanbul about using social media for entrepreneurial ventures based on intellectual property -- aka creative entrepreneurship! 

We started with a round of introductions and got an overview of the various enterprises run or being developed by IPWIN members. We heard distinct stories, and overlapping concerns. “How can I sell my service when the local market doesn’t value it yet?” “How much of myself should I expose?” “I had to take time off to raise my family, and we moved a lot but I want to get a career started in Istanbul.” “How do I present my company, my product, my idea, my brand?” “I run multiple businesses, should I merge them in one site or have separate Facebook pages?” “Which language should I blog in, how do I decide if French or Spanish is best?” “I’m trying to figure out what new business is going to last.”

Here are some of the issues we discussed during the meeting.

Why is social media important today?

Social media used professionally is an unrivaled way to become visible to a global audience at very low cost, by building a virtual network and sharing your expertise. People now want to do business with people, not faceless corporations. Even big companies are now trying to appear “more human”. Solo entrepreneurs everywhere can thrive in this new online environment.

What does the ‘social’ part of social media mean?

It means user-generated web content -- as opposed to static web pages -- that allows us to interact with each other through various web technologies. Think of “liking” a Facebook page, or tweeting a blog post, or even commenting on a blog. We can get feedback on our work, we can respond to customers in a public forum and demonstrate the quality of our service, we can meet and learn from others who are interested in the same things, and we can share our best discoveries on the web with our own networks.

What is creative entrepreneurship?

A successful business provides a product or service that solves a problem or fills a need. Creative entrepreneurs design offerings based on their personal inclinations, skills and talents. Often these develop out of a need to live and work in non-traditional situations. Social media is a wonderful vehicle to build professional projects on the web regardless of your location, time or language constraints. Creative entrepreneurship is a perfect solution to the problem faced by people who move around a lot or live in cultures not their own. It’s how to “bloom where you’re planted,” as Tara’s Turquoise Poppy catchphrase suggests.

What is a global niche?

Coined by Anastasia for global citizens to feel at home,  a global niche is where you uniquely belong in the world, both personally and professionally. Your sweetspot. A place occupied completely and perfectly by you -- so naturally there are no competitors, there are only neighbors. It’s where you can operate to your potential, and embrace all the worlds you love to belong to. Finding your global niche is part of being a successful creative entrepreneur. 

How do I define my profile on the net?

Building your global niche -- in this case, a professional web platform --  involves uncovering your place in the world and defining that place on the web. Inevitably one of the first steps in establishing your digital profile is communicating who you are in a way that others can relate to and may include using text, images, audio or video. For those who are in the process of self-discovery, social media is an extremely useful tool to explore and have conversations with like-minded global citizens.

Does being accessible on the web require extensive personal exposure?

Social media facilitates your interaction with others. People want to know who you are before connecting with you whether personally or professionally, help them find ways to relate to you. You’re not required to share private information that might compromise your security. By using a clear photo of yourself in your profile and including a link to your hub site people can learn exactly what you want them to know. (Don’t know what a hub site is? Find out in Tara and Anastasia’s free email tutorials.)

How can I find potential clients, customers and collaborators using social media?

Your ideal customer or client (or employer, if you’re a job seeker!) finds you by entering specific keywords into a search engine like Google. By entering these keywords yourself you’ll learn where you rank amidst the competition and you’ll also see where conversations relevant to your niche are taking place around the web. Social media enables you to monitor these conversations (with tools like Twitter and Google alerts) and participate in them with your own ideas, expertise and professional solutions.

How do I fit social media into my work day?

Social media is useful to creative entrepreneurs because it allows you to work in a way that suits your lifestyle. Setting your own schedule for publishing content as well as interacting on sites like Facebook and Twitter means you can work at your own pace. Keep your posts short and “mindcast” rather than “lifecast”. Share important thoughts, what you are reading, what moves you -- not mundane things like what you had for breakfast. Give your network value through the things you share. Use automation and syndication services to reach relevant audiences at key times around the world -- without actually working around the clock!

What is my ROI for the time I spend using social media?

Using social media to build your network and reputation is an investment in yourself. The time you dedicate will pay off when you want to sell your product or service - whether it’s a book, a necklace or a coaching program. Use social media to educate yourself and stay on the cutting edge of your field. In today’s market, trust and attention are valuable commodities that you can only develop by being well-informed, authentic and providing useful, accessible content.

Another great BMOE bootcamp at UC Berkeley!

Another great #entrepreneurship boot camp at Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at #UCBerkeley!!

Thanks Gigi Wang! #startups #pitching

This semester, besides #mentoring the teams, I was pleased to give a talk on promoting your product, and run a practice pitch group for seven teams, including the winner of the boot camp, MyPersonalStylist, a company from Brazil.

Here are a few:

Advising Startupbootcamp Scale San Francisco, the new accelerator for EMEA companies coming to Silicon Valley

The world’s largest network of industry-specific programs launches Startupbootcamp Scale in San Francisco

A US-based innovation program for growth stage companies to expand globally and increase their revenues and funding opportunities.

London & San Francisco, 16 January 2018 – Startupbootcamp announces the launch of its second Startupbootcamp Scale in San Francisco, an innovation program for growth-stage startups to expand globally and increase their revenue and funding opportunities.

One month after the successful launch of the first Startupbootcamp Scale program in Mexico City, Startupbootcamp adds San Francisco to their global family of innovation programs. Startupbootcamp Scale San Francisco is backed by key players including StartersHub, a world-class entrepreneurship platform, and Starcamp, a consortium of 5 prestigious universities with cross-border mentor and investor network located in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The program will target and scout growth-stage technology-based startups across a wide range of industries including Digital Health, Big Data & Analytics, AI & Machine Learning, IoT & Connectivity, Travel & Logistics, FinTech and many others.

The 8 participating companies will benefit from a variety of workshops and networking events, including skill building masterclasses and business development showcases.  

The program will:

• Facilitate collaboration with corporate partners in developing tools for selected startups to scale-up quickly in new markets or develop businesses in existing markets;

• Require the startups to be on-site over a period of 6 months for various activities, including workshops and masterclasses; mentor meetings; strategic partnership support and networking events.

• Provide opportunities for startups to showcase their progress throughout the 6 month period;

• Provide $40,000 financial support per team to cover living and transportation expenses. Additional to in-cash support, program partners provide perks and discounts in the value of  $250,000.

• co-invest up to $250,000 during or after the program, together with StartersHub and various investors to outstanding startups.

• Take up to 5% equity in each startup

Cigdem Toraman, Managing Director, Startupbootcamp Scale San Francisco, said: I have been running Startupbootcamp acceleration programs for over three years. During my role, I had the unique opportunity to interact with hundreds of startup founders and to realize their need for ongoing support during the globalization phase. We must ensure these companies are fully-equipped for scaling up.
 

We have also observed that the startups which go to the US, specifically to San Francisco, grow much faster, reach high valuations very quickly, and are able to raise additional funding from more investors. This is why Startupbootcamp joined forces with Starcamp and StartersHub to launch the Scale San Francisco program. This partnership will be officially recognised as “3S Landing Pad” supporting the most promising post-revenue technology startups from all over the world.
 

Andy Shannon, Head of Global at Startupbootcamp, said:

With so many international programs under our belt, we’ve seen enormous growth in several regions around the world. Still, San Francisco stands as the dominant global ecosystem. No other startup ecosystem comes close to the Bay Area in terms of connectivity and access to advice, money, and ideas. Equipped with extraordinary industry leadership, and with such a large community of alumni ready to take their businesses to the next level, we have decided to expand our mission to San Francisco.

Aydin Birik, Managing Director at Starcamp said: In today’s tech world remote working is very common, but one thing still has not changed: most of the deals are still closed face-to-face. When it comes to tech startups, choosing the right home base makes a huge difference in their early journey.

Partnering with world’s best cross-border funding institutions and mentors, Starcamp provides effortless access to secure funding and mentorship in the Bay Area.  We are very happy to collaborate with Startupbootcamp and StartersHub towards achieving the same goal to carry startups into the largest, VC-backed tech ecosystem in the world.

Applications for Startupbootcamp Scale San Francisco officially opens today; interested startups can apply here: www.f6s.com/sbcscalesanfrancisco2018/apply

About Startupbootcamp Scale

Created in 2017, Startupbootcamp Scale is an innovation program for companies post-accelerator stage. Designed as an addition to the traditional Startupbootcamp program, Startupbootcamp Scale provides growth-stage startups with validated business models, the opportunity to expand internationally and to increase revenues and funding opportunities. For more information, visit startupbootcamp.org/scale

About Startupbootcamp

Founded in 2010, Startupbootcamp in the world’s largest network of industry-focused innovation programs. With 20+ programs in Europe, Asia, North & South America, MENA & Africa, selected startups gain access to the most relevant mentors, partners and investors in their industry.

About StartersHub

StartersHub is a leading early-stage technology seed fund based in Istanbul. StartersHub offers startups everything they need to become a rapidly-growing global company, including funding, mentorship, networking, strategic partnership support and an inspiring workplace. StartersHub targets startups from Turkey, Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition to technology agnostic acceleration programs, StartersHub also runs industry-specific venture building programs with strategic partners.

About Starcamp

Located at the heart of Silicon Valley Palo Alto -2 minutes walking distance to the world's venture capital headquarters' Sand Hill Road and Stanford University -  STARCAMP is an acceleration program, established with the support of KOSGEB, which is taken together with five universities; Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul Technical University, Gebze Technical University, Hasan Kalyoncu University and Bahcesehir University.  STARCAMP opens its doors to applicants from each segment. Large and medium-sized companies, start-up companies and even entrepreneurial university students can apply and have programs that tailored to their needs.

My advice to entrepreneurship students: "don't let ego slow down your team"

TBT, early critical reviews of Expat Harem

These reviews were for a pre-release version of the book in December 2004.

“The Expat Harem promises a world closed and sacrosanct, morphing its occupants into a new hybrid of East and West.”

    --Alev Croutier, Turkish-American author of international bestseller Harem: The World Behind the Veil

“Funny, moving and unusual, the essays in this collection transcend postcard views and prejudice to show the rich cultural tapestry of Turkish society.”

    --Nicole Pope, co-author of Turkey Unveiled: A History of Modern Turkey and correspondent for Le Monde

“An extraordinary collection of women trying to make sense of their own lives through another culture. From the disillusioned missionary to the lady roustabout, what unites them is not their backgrounds or personalities but affection for an adopted Turkish homeland. The entrance to the harem is ajar. An addictive set of insights.”

    --Andrew Finkel, author of Turkish State, Turkish Society and longtime correspondent in Turkey who has worked for Time magazine, CNN and the Times of London

"Contrary to common misperceptions of Turkey as daunting and dangerous, Tales from the Expat Harem reveals the country’s warm Mediterranean culture. This peek through the lattice-work into the Turkish lives of foreign-born women exposes their encounters with the deep-seated gentility of Turks. A must-read for anyone who thinks all Muslim cultures are identical." 

    --Jennifer Lawler, author of Encyclopedia of the Byzantine Empire, and the Dojo Wisdom series

“In the harem, Ottoman women could take off their veils and tell their stories. Accomplished modern women in Tales from the Expat Harem tell us much more. Varied, absorbing personal adventures reveal today's Turkey--modern and familiar, traditional and exotic--with a depth, sincerity and delight found nowhere else. They fling open the doors of an unknown world and let us see everything. I've been waiting a long time for this book!”
    --Tom Brosnahan, veteran Berlitz, Frommer’s and Lonely Planet guidebook author, originator of Lonely Planet Turkey, founder of the Turkey Travel Planner website and author of travel memoir Turkey: Bright Sun, Strong Tea 

“A most enjoyable book. Mixing humor with sharp insight into Turkish society, family, and the role of women, it encourages us to open our hearts to this great nation.”
    --Charlotte McPherson, author of Culture Smart! Turkey

"These women have done such a good job, even if the Turkish government spent millions of dollars on public relations it couldn't achieve the same impact that this book will."

    --Nazire Kalkan, political reporter for premiere Turkish newsweekly magazine Tempo

“Charming, warm-hearted and vivid, Expat Harem is not only a significant contribution to the understanding of Turkish life and culture, but also provides a compelling insight into the hearts and minds of foreign women who come to Turkey for love, work or travel. Their profound soul-searching makes for a definite must-read for everyone pondering the question of what it is we call 'home'.” 

    --Stine Jensen, literary critic for Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad and author of Mijn hondvis, mijn moskeetj:Een liefde in Turkije, a book about love between Turks and Europeans