Silicon Valley Association of Startup Entrepreneurs (SVASE)

Startup-U, SVASE's Premier Event for startup entrepreneurs

Startup-U provides opportunities for you explore key issues of entrepreneurial success. This lunchtime program, comprising two regional events in the Bay Area, generally features a guest speaker from the venture funding community and encourages discussion participation by all attendees (typically 30 to 65 people).

Startup-U is SVASE's official "Welcome Mat" where members and non-members come and learn about SVASE and entrepreneurship while expanding their network! At any of our two monthly lunches, you'll have an opportunity to introduce yourself, describe what you do or hope to be doing, and to explore an issue critical to your success. 

If you're looking for an open forum to learn from and network with a diverse and entrepreneurial group of technology and venture funding professionals, this event is for you!

Regular topics include:

• The Risks and Rewards of being an Entrepreneur
• Validating the Proposition: Is my idea viable?  Is my idea fundable?
• Essentials of Product Development on a Shoestring
• Marketing and Sales – reference customers, volume sales
• Structuring the Business: Legal and Financial Guidance for Organizing Your New Entity
• Valuation Techniques: How VCs & Angels develop Valuations
• Types of Funding: Bootstrap vs Venture Capital; alternative sources
• Building a winning team
• Leadership: What VC’s look for in YOU as a leader:

Startup-U lunch meetings are currently held throughout the Bay Area Penninsula:

San Francisco - Co-sponsored by DLA Piper
Silicon Valley - Co-sponsored by Pulg & Play Real Estate and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP  

Some popular FAQs regarding Startup-U:

What is the cost of this event?
A $5 (member) or $15 (affiliate/non-member) registration fee, plus a $1.50 credit card processing fee, includes event and lunch,  is available through advanced online registration. A $10 or $20 fee is collected at the door for walk-ins.

What is the format of a Startup-U event typically?
Generally speaking, each event begins with an introduction by the host followed by a brief talk about SVASE and self-introductions by each of the attendees. After the introductions, the host introduces a speaker (usually 20 minute presentation, followed by group discussion) or the discussion topic; the exact format varies based on the host and that variety is what makes this event so exciting!

Who should attend?
Startup entrepreneurs, anyone thinking about forming a startup, service providers, angels and VCs active in the Silicon Valley information tech and biotech entrepreneur communities. Past participants include:

* Current and aspiring entrepreneurs
* Venture Capitalists, Angels and other members of the funding community
* Service Providers (e.g. human resources, contract programming, etc.)
* Independent Consultants (e.g. sales, marketing, engineering, etc.)

Do I need to be a member of SVASE to attend this event?
Non-members and guests of members are welcome to attend any 2 SVASE Startup-U events. Afterwards, we recommend that non-members become members of SVASE. For more information on the benefits of joining SVASE, please visit membership.  You can also join at the event itself.

What if I have more questions?
Please contact the host of the event, listed in each write up, you would like to attend or contact our Program Chair, Anne Donker.