How do we get in front of Dave McClure/500 Startups if we don't have any connections within 500 Startups and don't live in Silicon Valley?
17 Answers
Dave McClure travels a lot. Here is one success story how guys found him using foursquare and pitched him in the bar in Boston: http://blog.safeshepherd.
Also 500 Startups does Geeks on a Plane few times a year plus other events.
But the best way is to find 500S startups, founders and mentors in your field. Pitch them, build a connection. If they like you then it's easy to get intro to DMC or Paul. Make friends with 500S family. They might invite you to demo day or just as a guest to the office.
Also 500 Startups does Geeks on a Plane few times a year plus other events.
But the best way is to find 500S startups, founders and mentors in your field. Pitch them, build a connection. If they like you then it's easy to get intro to DMC or Paul. Make friends with 500S family. They might invite you to demo day or just as a guest to the office.
You've answered most of it yourself in the wording of your question. You know what you have to do, so do it:
Point 1 is the most important. Point 2 is not at all to say that startups can only be successful in the Valley (I very much disagree with this assumption), but if you want to go through the 500 program, you'll have to be in Mountain View (or at least the Valley/City if you want to commute) for a period of time. How long?Probably at least the duration of the program, and depending on your strategy and goals, presumable some period thereafter (working on the assumption that you'll take the most common path of raising funds which will close towards the end of, and during a period of time post, the program).
Point 1: Get connections with the 500 network:
You should be connecting with people anyway to help build your startup, and if they're part of the 500 network, even better for this specific goal.
Research the companies that have gone through 500, find ones that are in a similar space to you, reach out. Talk to them about your idea, get their feedback, help them when you can.
Over time you'll build up a network of people who are connected to 500 startups, and when the time is right, and if you're startup is something they see value in, they can help you with recommendations and introductions to the partners.
500 takes the opinion of its network very seriously in making investment decisions.
Point 2: Move to Silicon Valley
Again - want to stress, moving to Silicon Valley is not a fundamental requirement to building a successful company.
You definitely don't have to be "from Silicon Valley" to get into 500 startups (just look at the origins of the most recent batch - 2/3 of the companies are from outside the United States, let alone Silicon Valley), however being on the ground will assist you in making meaningful connections (Point 1).
The sheer volume of like minded people in the Valley, and the culture of paying it forward make it easier to build a quality network of people who are connected to 500 startups.
If you're willing to spend 3 - 6 months in Silicon Valley if you get accepted to 500, why not move earlier, show the commitment to the cause, and make it easier on yourself to make meaningful connections?
- Get connections with the 500 network
- Move to Silicon Valley (at least for a period of time around a batch intake)
Point 1 is the most important. Point 2 is not at all to say that startups can only be successful in the Valley (I very much disagree with this assumption), but if you want to go through the 500 program, you'll have to be in Mountain View (or at least the Valley/City if you want to commute) for a period of time. How long?Probably at least the duration of the program, and depending on your strategy and goals, presumable some period thereafter (working on the assumption that you'll take the most common path of raising funds which will close towards the end of, and during a period of time post, the program).
Point 1: Get connections with the 500 network:
You should be connecting with people anyway to help build your startup, and if they're part of the 500 network, even better for this specific goal.
Research the companies that have gone through 500, find ones that are in a similar space to you, reach out. Talk to them about your idea, get their feedback, help them when you can.
Over time you'll build up a network of people who are connected to 500 startups, and when the time is right, and if you're startup is something they see value in, they can help you with recommendations and introductions to the partners.
500 takes the opinion of its network very seriously in making investment decisions.
Point 2: Move to Silicon Valley
Again - want to stress, moving to Silicon Valley is not a fundamental requirement to building a successful company.
You definitely don't have to be "from Silicon Valley" to get into 500 startups (just look at the origins of the most recent batch - 2/3 of the companies are from outside the United States, let alone Silicon Valley), however being on the ground will assist you in making meaningful connections (Point 1).
The sheer volume of like minded people in the Valley, and the culture of paying it forward make it easier to build a quality network of people who are connected to 500 startups.
If you're willing to spend 3 - 6 months in Silicon Valley if you get accepted to 500, why not move earlier, show the commitment to the cause, and make it easier on yourself to make meaningful connections?
Yes, begin with the 500S family.
While living in Southern Indiana, I found I had a connection with someone who was in the incubator program. From there I got an introduction to Enrique Allen by email. He and I exchanged multiple emails and also talked about ways I could help 500S. I asked if I could visit 500S to hang out if I visited the Bay Area. When someone there said yes, I booked a trip.
From there, upon making a good impression and showing qualifications, my resume was sent out to all members in their incubator program and I began contracting for a 500S company. And after that, I was in front of Dave McClure.
You could also try Twitter.
While living in Southern Indiana, I found I had a connection with someone who was in the incubator program. From there I got an introduction to Enrique Allen by email. He and I exchanged multiple emails and also talked about ways I could help 500S. I asked if I could visit 500S to hang out if I visited the Bay Area. When someone there said yes, I booked a trip.
From there, upon making a good impression and showing qualifications, my resume was sent out to all members in their incubator program and I began contracting for a 500S company. And after that, I was in front of Dave McClure.
You could also try Twitter.
Make some connections. This is a life skill and you need it.
You want to convince the man you can build a thriving business, but you're somehow unable to track him down to tell him? If you can't do that, how are you going to track down that industry connection you need to do a co-labeled promotion? That killer VP of marketing you wanted? That press coverage you wanted? The engineers you need to build your product?
Hunting down leads and closing deals is part of the game. This is a big part of what your CEO is for in the first place. If s/he can't cut it, get one that can.
You want to convince the man you can build a thriving business, but you're somehow unable to track him down to tell him? If you can't do that, how are you going to track down that industry connection you need to do a co-labeled promotion? That killer VP of marketing you wanted? That press coverage you wanted? The engineers you need to build your product?
Hunting down leads and closing deals is part of the game. This is a big part of what your CEO is for in the first place. If s/he can't cut it, get one that can.
