Computer programmer and entrepreneur John Farrell has advice for those planning to attend Startup Weekend Hartford-Ottawa this year.
Have an open mind. Avoid useless buzzwords in your pitch. And snack often.
“The most memorable discussions happened in the shared kitchen spaces where teams were taking a break to grab food,” said Farrell. “Take advantage of this.”
Farrell would know. In 2012, he won first place at Startup Weekend Hartford for his healthcare software application, www.movidhep.com, which provides video instructions on multiple devices to physical therapy patients so they can do their prescribed exercises at home.
Startup Weekend is a global grassroots movement of ambitious entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of launching companies and leading successful ventures — all in 54 hours.
More than 8,100 startups have been created through more than 1,000 events worldwide, according to the group’s website.
The nonprofit organization is based in Seattle, Wash., but Startup Weekend events can be found in more than 200 cities around the world.
MetroHartford Alliance will host its third annual Startup Weekend Oct. 18-20 at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford.
The event falls in line with efforts going on across Connecticut to develop a more innovative and entrepreneurial economy, with the hopes that fresh ideas and perspective can breed new companies and jobs.
Those efforts don’t necessarily need to lead to the next Google or Apple. Those big fish are hard to find. Instead, the state — and city of Hartford — are looking for startup companies with growth potential.
Organizers in Hartford partnered up with city leaders in Ottawa, Canada to link the Startup Weekend events together this year, according John Shemo, vice president and economic director for the MetroHartford Alliance.
Startup Weekend Hartford-Ottawa will virtually connect team members, mentors and organizers to counterparts in Canada’s Capital City for discussions about business ideas. The partnership represents the first transnational collaboration of its kind.
Some 65 entrepreneurs will gather, pitch ideas, form teams, attend workshops and develop new concepts during a 54-hour blitz that includes presentations and expert feedback.
Competitors build teams of developers, designers, product managers and marketers, forming an ad-hoc company over the course of three days.
The weekend culminates with presentations in front of entrepreneurs and business leaders who offer constructive feedback in the competition’s judging process. This year, three winners will be announced.
“Startup Weekend participants may not have a direct impact on job formation immediately after the event,” said Shemo. “But given enough time and the right support, the experience can lead some people to start, join or support successful startups in our community. The primary purpose of this event is really to provide a learning experience about launching startups. And to show we support entrepreneurship in Hartford.”
Paul Austin-Menear, marketing director for Startup Weekend Ottawa, agrees.
“The pace of change in business and technology continues to make waves in both Canada and the United States, and it’s important to us that the next generation of entrepreneurs be prepared for, and take part in, the next leap forward,” said Austin-Menear. “To be able to leverage the most innovative technologies in a way that allows us to communicate, create and compete in real-time collaboration is a unique opportunity for our participants.”
Nicholas Bereza, a Bloomfield computer scientist and co-founder of NE Computer Solutions, says Startup Weekend isn’t just an exercise or an experiment. Each event “gives birth to real companies and real success.”
Bereza coordinated the first Startup Weekend three years ago when he served as vice chair of Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE).
“This event allows new entrepreneurs to gain copious amounts of transactional learning on how to foster and build an idea from conception to execution,” said Bereza. “Experienced entrepreneurs learn new skills in mentorship, leadership, project and team management.”
Farrell, the Movid.com founder, said Startup Weekend gave him the motivation and desire to be an entrepreneur instead of opting for a more traditional career path.
Farrell, however, will miss Startup Weekend this year because the event coincides with the official launch of his new software.
“Without Startup Weekend, I probably couldn’t have my own company or the drive and vision to blaze my own trail.”
