Innovative Technologies

Transcript

1. From Innovative Technologies to Global Companies
2. Silicon Valley: Myths & Realities Silicon Valley Survival Guide October 2012 Eric Müller, GSVA Mentor 10/6/2012 German Silicon Valley Accelerator Inc. 2
3. 10/6/2012 German Silicon Valley Accelerator Inc. 3 Myth 1: “I better have all the answers.” Reality 1: Best teams own the ambiguity.  Reflects confidence — and competence  …risk awareness  …ability to respond to change  …ability to take advice
4. 10/6/2012 German Silicon Valley Accelerator Inc. 4 Myth 2: “We just need that big partner.” Reality 2: You and your team alone control your destiny.  No shortcut to building a biz  Direct customer access is preciously guarded  Buzz not same as cred  Partner motivation: their self interest
5. 10/6/2012 German Silicon Valley Accelerator Inc. 5 Myth 3: “We just need sales & marketing.” Reality 3: Focus must be on core product and business model.  Est. willingness-to-pay before hitting accelerator  Product-market fit = most allusive goal  VC allergic to funding “sales & marketing”
6. 10/6/2012 German Silicon Valley Accelerator Inc. 6 Myth 4: “Failure is okay.” Reality 4: Technically true – but SV is the ultimate meritocracy.  Evaluated in all situations  Not all risks smart  Compelling lessons learned?  Word-is-your-bond (bled for the cause?)
7. 10/6/2012 German Silicon Valley Accelerator Inc. 7 Myth 5: “Only hire A players.” Reality 5: True – but exactly how?  A+ in something (Moneyball)  Can you sell the dream?  Diamond in the rough  Take risks, fix mistakes