Last week I attended the Energy and Clean Technology Venture
Forum held at Rice University in Houston. About 250 other people and I heard 35
start-ups each give a 5 minute pitch. They were all looking for money ($350,000
to $30,000,000) and strategic partners. These events to me are always
fascinating and mentally stimulating. While most of the presenters are still
trying to find the money they need for their venture, a few have made it and it
is their second or third project.
As important as all the presentations are, the audience was
where the money was located. Most of the attendees were angel type investors
and representatives of venture capitalists groups. This is a good group of
people to know. The event was all sponsored by Rice University in Houston, and
there are often angel groups or some entrepreneur groups like this around every
major university and in most major cities. Most are inexpensive to join and I
encourage you to join at least one. These are all innovative ideas, so it
strays a little from my normal business concept. Still, the more you know the
better prepared you are to start your own business. At these presentations you
will see products and services being pitched, plus you have the opportunity to
talk directly with anyone you want during the day or at their booths after the presentations.
The main purpose for you is to really expand your mind and learn what might
need to be done if you need to find the funding for your idea or product.
Do something proactive and put yourself around successful
people. You must start visualizing about how to get $1,000,000 through business
ownership. If you could learn how to raise money, I just saw 35 companies that
you could perhaps earn equity in and/or make a commission by helping them raise
money. You should try to put yourself around successful people and in the right
environment. There are tons of opportunities available. Take a longer term perspective and keep
moving forward.
Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship
