Fortrino’s Post

I'm a big believer in the power of conferences and exhibitions for startups. They offer a fantastic platform to connect with potential customers, investors, and collaborators. However, I've increasingly found myself frustrated with the designated "startup zones" at these events. While it's great that conferences are recognizing the importance of startups, the high cost of exhibiting often hinders the very companies they're trying to support. Booth fees can be exorbitant, especially for early-stage startups with limited budgets. This creates a barrier to entry, essentially limiting participation to those who can afford it. Here's the thing: affordable access to these events is crucial for startups. We need these opportunities to showcase our ideas, validate our market fit, and make those all-important connections. So, what can be done? Subsidized booths: - Conferences could offer a limited number of subsidized booths specifically for startups. Alternative participation options: - Consider tiered participation options. Perhaps a "pitching zone" or a designated networking area for startups, at a significantly lower cost. Investor-focused events: - Maybe there could be separate, smaller-scale events focused on connecting startups with potential investors. By making these adjustments, conferences can become more inclusive and truly foster the innovation they aim to promote. What are your thoughts? Have you experienced similar frustrations? #Startups #Conferences #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

🌟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐩: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 – 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 🌟 We had an incredible time at the LatAm Alliance Webinar on May 22, 2024, hosted by the EU Tech Chamber (EUTECH). It was a remarkable event filled with insights, inspiration, and invaluable advice for startups and entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into successful businesses. Our executive director Sierra von Tucher kicked off the event with an engaging introduction, setting the stage for an enlightening session. 𝗞𝗲𝘆𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Gabriel Campillo, a renowned business innovation expert and founder of WhiteSpace.Academy, shared a dynamic framework for growth. His emphasis on a systematic approach to transforming ideas into market-ready products was particularly inspiring. 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: We were honored to have insights from Carol Cueva, founder of Cueva Consulting, and Dr. Edith Öller, founder of IDEAZ Business Innovation. Their expertise in strategic advising and startup mentorship provided attendees with diverse perspectives on navigating the startup landscape. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀: ✅Systematic Approach: Gabriel Campillo emphasized the importance of having a systematic approach to move from idea to market. His practical tips on defining problems, leveraging talent, and securing funding were invaluable. ✅Community and Collaboration: The event highlighted the importance of building a strong community and collaborative partnerships. Engaging with like-minded individuals and organizations can significantly accelerate the growth of a startup. We are grateful to all the speakers, panelists, and participants for making this webinar a success. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭: https://lnkd.in/erDtnDFy Let's continue to innovate, collaborate, and make a positive impact together! #EUTECH #Innovation #Sustainability #StartupJourney #Entrepreneurship #LatAmAlliance #WebinarRecap #TechnologyForGood

🚀 Are you ready to navigate the digital age of entrepreneurship? 🌐 Let's talk about the rise of technology and automation shaping our future! 💡 🤖 As tasks become automated, the true essence of entrepreneurship is put to the test. Hard work, determination, and human innovation are more crucial than ever in this tech-driven world. 🌟 ⚠️ But beware! While technology offers incredible opportunities, relying too heavily on it can impact our well-being. 🧠💻 Remember, success comes from a blend of tech advancements and good old-fashioned hard work and creativity. 🚀 How do you strike the balance between innovation and human effort in your entrepreneurial journey? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #DigitalAge

The intersection of technology and entrepreneurship is a profound symphony where the innovator's dreams meet practical solutions. It's a resilient dance on the chaotic floor of discovery, advancement, and resilience. ⚙️ Technology has become the foundation piece in the jigsaw puzzle of modern entrepreneurship. What intrigues me, you ask? 1. The unrivaled pace at which technology evolves 2. How it perpetually reshapes the playground for entrepreneurs 3. The unexplored dimensions it opens, fostering opportunities Indeed, entrepreneurship now goes hand-in-hand with technological fluency. 🚀Entrepreneurs need not be tech gurus, they need to be tech savvy. To acclimatize to trends, understand their potential and leverage them fittingly. However, it's important to understand that technology is not the universal panacea. It is merely a tool - a powerful one at that - that businesses can harness to scale, evolve, and disrupt. Tech-entrepreneurs face a unique set of challenges: ✔️Synchronizing with an ever-advancing tech environment ✔️Maintaining ethical boundaries while pushing innovation ✔️Navigating a landscape fraught with regulatory uncertainties A word of caution 🚨: Tech-driven ventures pose higher stakes, not just financially but also ethically and socially. The tech-driven entrepreneurial journey is not a sprint, it's a marathon peppered with sprints. Here's some food for thought 🍽️: • How can entrepreneurs keep up with the dizzying speed of tech advancements without losing track of the human element? • What are the ways to foster a balanced approach to technological integration? So, fellow LinkedIn professionals, let's discuss, debate, and learn from one another. Let's revel in this remarkable dance of technology and entrepreneurship because together we drive the evolution of our shared digital future. Let's embrace this wonderful chaos and turn it into a harmonious symphony. #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

As we draw another day closer to the future, I find myself grasping with a familiar sense of awe and excitement that I'm sure many of you share. ⭐ The intersection of technology and entrepreneurship is nothing short of a playground for imagination, ambition, and evolution. Let's take a moment to discuss the marvels and challenges this kaleidoscope of innovation presents. Firstly,🛠️ technology has redefined the landscape for entrepreneurs worldwide. It presents: • Unprecedented opportunities for scale and reach • Seamless collaboration in a way the competitive business field has never seen before • An array of platforms that bring ideas to life, mitigating the risk involved in the early stages of development However, along with the glittering potential of technology, comes its own share of challenges. • Cybersecurity issues are becoming increasingly complex. • Pursuit of high-speed innovation could inadvertently step on the rights of individuals. • The rapid technological curve might leave behind those unable to keep up. So, how can entrepreneurs navigate this dynamic landscape while continuing to innovate? It starts with a mindset shift 🌈. Tech-driven entrepreneurship is not about exploiting technology for quick returns. It is about leveraging tech to solve real-world problems, stimulate social progress, and make lives easier. Invest in continuous learning📚. The field of technology is forever evolving. To stay relevant and derive maximum benefit from it, one must commit to continuous learning and upskilling. Adopting a cyber-first approach💡. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, businesses should work towards incorporating cybersecurity as a central pillar of their business strategy. Lastly, promote inclusivity and ensure that advancements in technology do not widen the societal divide. As entrepreneurs, it's essential to consider not only the convenience of our products or services but the impact they have on our society at large. In this exciting era of technology and entrepreneurship, we are the pioneers exploring new frontiers, the inventors building previously unimaginable realities, and the leaders crafting a future shaped by innovation and opportunity. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards far outweigh the trials...if we navigate the seas with care and foresight. As we stand on the precipice of a new dawn, it's on us to steer the ship 🚀, a responsibility and privilege that I, for one, wouldn't trade for the world. #technology #entrepreneurship #innovation

Navigating the Web Summit and Beyond How to Find the Right Investors for Your Startup The Web Summit in Lisbon is a whirlwind of innovation and opportunity, with startups from around the globe lining up to connect with potential investors. While many investors are simply looking around, savvy investors recognize the value and potential of entrepreneurship. With 18 years of experience, I can assess within just 5 minutes of talking to a business owner whether they have the skills to succeed at their current stage. However, even with the right guidance, getting your business off the ground requires effort and follow-up. Entrepreneurs will meet many people at networking events like the Web Summit, so failing to follow up would be a missed opportunity. At Gleam Consulting, located on Park Avenue in Manhattan, NYC, we understand the challenges faced by both startups and investors. Over the past 18 years, we have successfully helped companies reach their full potential. Our expertise extends beyond startups to include large multinationals seeking growth and expansion. Whether you're a multi-billion dollar company or just starting out, our experts can help you take your business to the next level. Schedule a consultation today to discover how we can help you achieve your goals. Gleam Consulting RJ Mollen MBA #WebSummit #Investors #StartupAdvice #BusinessGrowth

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Weekend at the Founders' Retreat in Gstaad 🏔️✨ This past weekend, we had the privilege of hosting 33 visionary participants for an immersive Founders' Retreat near the stunning mountains of the Bernese Oberland, in partnership with QBIT Capital. The retreat was designed to challenge, inspire, and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, and it delivered beyond our expectations. 🚀 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event a success: • The incredible participants, whose enthusiasm and commitment were the lifeblood of the retreat.  • QBIT Capital, whose generous support made this enriching experience possible.  • The insightful jury, who guided our participants with their expertise and constructive feedback.  • The dedicated EPFL-UNIL Entrepreneur Club Committee, whose efforts in organizing the event brought this vision to life.  • Estelle Charveriat, Marie AMESTOY, Maxime Baube and Pere Juarez Vives for hosting insightful workshops that set the stage for our weekend. Over the course of the weekend, the participants dived into a 24-hour hackathon focused on market validation. The teams surpassed any doubts that this challenge would be too difficult, making calls to ex-Olympians and CEOs to secure letters of intent, all within a single day (on the weekend!). One team even managed to reach out to 30 relevant and key potential future users. 📈 This weekend was not just about innovation. We did our best to foster collaboration and trust between the participants, and the result was connections that will last a lifetime! Are you ready to join us on this journey? Stay tuned for more updates from the EPFL-UNIL Entrepreneur Club. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #FoundersRetreat #Networking #Learning #EPFL #UNIL #QBITCapital #startup

🚀 Now's The Time To Be An Entrepreneur Our survey among 114 young adults shows a surge in entrepreneurship interest: 35.5% of working professionals and 26.9% of university students are keen to start their ventures, echoing a trend seen in 50% of Gen-Zs. 🔑 Unlock Success With Founder-Problem Fit A deep understanding of industry challenges and aligning them with your skills is key to startup success. Founders must rigorously validate their idea, ensuring that their product or service addresses a real-world market need. 💡 Nea: Pioneering Pre-Seed Idea Validation To assist budding entrepreneurs, we're thrilled to launch Nea, a comprehensive platform for pre-seed idea validation. Nea helps tailor business opportunities to your profile using AI, and offers additional features for your GTM strategy. For more information, check out our full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/g3gJzSEi #Entrepreneurship #Startup #Innovation #Nea #BusinessOpportunities #IdeaValidation

Missed the big news last week? 👇 Following our amalgamation with Haltech, Innovation Factory’s CEO, David Carter, sheds light on how the strategic move impacts the regional innovation ecosystem and opportunities that lie ahead. 💡Read all about it here: https://loom.ly/4scRBNE #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Tech #Accelerators #Announcements #Ontario

One of the ways to experience entrepreneurial success is by finding new opportunities for your venture/startup. Having the ability to identify and capitalize on new opportunities are imperative. To keep it simple, connect the dots! In the business world, staying proactive and open to new possibilities is necessary for growth and sustainability. Here are some key ways to discover and leverage new opportunities for your venture or startup: ➡️Market Research  Conducting thorough market research helps you uncover unmet needs, emerging trends, and gaps in the market that your product or service can fill. ➡️Networking and Collaboration Building a strong network within your industry can open doors to new opportunities. Attend industry events, join networking groups, and connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. ➡️Innovation and Creativity Create an environment where employees feel safe to share ideas and think outside the box. ➡️Continuous Learning Entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Stay informed about industry trends, technologies, and best practices through books, courses, workshops, and online resources. Invest in your own personal and professional development, as well as that of your team, to stay ahead of the curve and position your venture for long-term success. ➡️Customer Feedback and Engagement Listening to customer feedback and engaging with your audience can provide valuable insights into new opportunities for your venture. Encourage customers to share their experiences, suggestions, and ideas for improvement. Finding new opportunities for your venture or startup will keep you in business. Don’t play with it! Looking for an opportunity to connect with funders and investors and seek new opportunities for your business? You should attend the Nobellum’s BIS Summit. To register, visit: https://lu.ma/txuwfw67 #Nobellum #BlackInnovation  #bissummit #entrepreneurs #fundraising #entrepreneurialsuccess