PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND PROTOTYPE

STRATEGIES IN A STARTUP –

“Surviving the Valley of Death”

Bill Starr, President & CFO

Do you have a groundbreaking idea that solves a major problem or meets a significant need?

"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others... I find out what the world needs, then I

proceed to invent.” - Thomas Edison

Idea Launch Develop Execute Growth

Environment

• Innovative technology revolutionizing stormwater management

Safety

• Low-cost imaging and sensor technologies for police and other first responders

Consumer

• Use of GPS technology to locate the nearest clean restroom

What should you consider before you launch your startup?

Founding team equity

& responsibilities

Sources of seed funding

& use of funds

Legal considerations

Structure (LLC, S Corp)

Intellectual property

Idea Launch Develop Execute Growth

"An entrepreneur tends to bite off a little more than he can chew, hoping he'll quickly learn how to chew it.”

- Roy Ash, co-founder of Litton Industries

What can you do to minimize the time you spend in the Valley of Death?

Innovation challenges

Startup competitions

Business incubators

Idea Launch Develop Execute Growth

”As a startup founder, some days you feel like you are

rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic,

other days you feel like the iceberg.” - Anonymous

What do I need to do to raise capital?

Customers

Angels & VC

Crowd Funding

Luck

Idea Launch Develop Execute Growth

”I will win the crowd. I will give them something they have never seen before” - Maximus, Gladiator

VenCorps is the world’s first community-powered virtual accelerator and venture consortium

Taps into search for true innovation Connects, educates, and supports entrepreneurs Creates pipeline of vetted, investment-ready startups

Bill Starr, President & CFO VenCorps

Nearly 20 years of international experience in entrepreneurship, finance and business development. As President of VenCorps, he is leading the use of technology and knowledge-based assets to create meaningful & collaborative marketplaces, connecting innovators across all sectors and highly influential, relevant support networks to drive social and economic growth.

Prior to joining VenCorps, he founded MyLifeList.org, the premiere social network for goal achievers and co-founded GoalsCorp Media, an integrated media company that bridges the gap between consumers and brands. A former investment banker with Macquarie Bank and Senior Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers. He is a Chartered Accountant. He has lived in four countries, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, scuba-dived the Great Barrier Reef, competed in the Sydney-Hobart ocean race and jumped from the world’s highest bungee. Acknowledged for his “inexhaustible supply of energy” and enthusiasm he is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker.

www.VenCorps.com Contact: bill@VenCorps.com

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND PROTOTYPE

STRATEGIES IN A STARTUP –

“Surviving the Valley of Death”

Bill Starr, President & CFO