MassVentures’ Post

"After compiling a list of 2.7 million company founders who hired at least one employee between 2007 and 2014, researchers found the average age of those who founded the most successful tech companies was 45 years. In general terms, a 50-year-old entrepreneur was almost twice as likely to start an extremely successful company as a 30-year-old. A 60-year-old startup founder was three times more likely to launch a successful startup than a 30-year-old startup founder and nearly twice as likely to have launched a startup that ranks in the top 0.1 percent (in terms of revenue) of all companies. " I think it's important to look at the actual data sometimes. There's this pervasive myth -- ESPECIALLY amongst VCs -- that successful startups are only created by the young. But data doesn't back that up. It's just 'casual ageism,' like one sees in most other areas of society.

College Startups: Balancing Education and Entrepreneurial Success > College students like those at Microsoft, Facebook, and Reddit turned ideas into successful tech companies > Universities offer resources like start-up competitions and tech labs to help students become entrepreneurs Read more: https://bit.ly/3yGOO5r #internationalfinance #collegestartups #studententrepreneurs #education #entrepreneurship #techinnovators #universityresources #startupsuccess #youngentrepreneurs

Writing my first case study of 2024 that sheds light on the impressive growth of startup communities and initiatives. The motivation behind this study comes from a recent covo with someone keen on building a startup ecosystem for students. At a networking event, this person asked a well-known founder if they would support student startups, only to get a firm "no" in response. He asked for an explanation from that founder. The founder countered with a question: "Can you name the various verticals of a company?" The person could only list 3-4 parts, leading the founder to suggest gaining work experience and skills before diving into entrepreneurship. On the other hand, there are plenty of initiatives working to create a supportive environment for student startups. This includes activities by Innovation and Incubation Centers, actions by central and state governments, educational institutions, CEOs, and more. It's important to note that opinions differ, and this post isn't meant to stir up controversy. Instead, I am looking for insights from folks like you to provide valuable perspectives for students. See you at the comments! #students #startups #highereducation

Harvard's Startup Guide 🚀 Harvard University's Office of Technology Development has put together an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs at every stage. This Startup Guide is meticulously designed to steer you through the intricate world of startups, particularly for those in the academic sphere aspiring to bring their innovations to life. Key sections include: -Why Start a Company?: Unpacking the motivations behind launching your venture. -Key Considerations: Factors to ponder before diving into the startup world. -The Startup Process: A step-by-step guide from ideation to launch. -Funding Sources & Presenting to Investors: Navigating the financial landscape and making compelling cases to potential backers. -Financing Terminology & Company Considerations: Essential knowledge to understand the ecosystem you're entering. -Equity Considerations: Navigating the complexities of ownership and investment. -Resources for Entrepreneurs & Key Factors for Success: Tools, tips, and traits that can set you up for success. For a winning pitch deck, take a look at the template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel https://lnkd.in/ejp-Bhnu

This Is The Most Interesting Book I’ve Ever Read On Building Successful Startups Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog: https://lnkd.in/gbsShJf5

Transforming Ideas into Global Ventures 🌍 The Founder Institute (FI) is the world’s most proven network for turning ideas into fundable startups and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, we’ve launched over 7,000 companies across 200+ cities and six continents! 🚀 Our mission: - Empowering talent to build impactful tech businesses - Promoting diversity across location, race, gender, and orientation - Establishing a solid support network of local startup experts - Providing a structured business-building process Join us on this journey and become part of a global entrepreneurial revolution. Are you ready to make an impact? Let us know in the comments! 👇 Learn more: https://fi.co/about

Day 4: Founder Institute NTX - Build an Amazing Company in North Texas 🚀 Today, I'm excited to share how you can build your dream company with the Founder Institute in North Texas. The Founder Institute provides a global support network and a proven methodology to get your startup traction and funding. Ready to make your startup dream a reality? Apply now: [https://fi.co/dallas] Here’s what you can expect: 1️⃣ The Core Experience   - Build your business alongside other entrepreneurs in a structured, proven process.   - You don't have to do it alone. 2️⃣ Critical Support Network   - Join an Equity Collective of mentors and founders invested in your success.   - Access a lifetime of support programs and partners. 3️⃣ Structured Methodology   - Know what to work on and when with our business-building sprints.   - Leverage the world's largest network of startup founders and mentors. 4️⃣ Challenging Process   - Only the best make it through - less than 40% of Founders graduate.   - Get fast-tracked to our Funding Lab and Virtual Demo Days for funding opportunities. The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network for turning ideas into fundable startups and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, we’ve helped over 7,000 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley, with chapters in 100 countries, we aim to empower communities to build impactful technology companies worldwide. It’s time to rebuild in North Texas, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re at the Idea, MVP, or Early Company Stage, we have programs to support you. Ready to build the future with the North Texas Founder Institute? Join the Program: [www.fi.co/dallas] 💬 Let’s connect and make these next 100 days DOPE! P.S. Want to get involved? If this resonates, repost, to share with others ♻️ and follow Javy Martinez for more in the future. 📌 Interested in 100 Days of Impact & Inspiration? Join others who get my free newsletter: javymartinez.substack.com

Success in tech is no easy feat. One of the reasons it’s so challenging is that there’s no real preparation for it—there are countless obstacles you won’t learn about in school. Here’s why many startups struggle: 1. Running out of capital: Even with a great idea, failing to manage costs effectively can lead to failure. 2. Poor execution: Having the right team is essential. Incompetence within your team can derail even the best ideas. 3. Weak product-market fit: You may be solving a problem, but if your product doesn’t resonate with the market, it’s bound to fail. Oji Udezue shared insights on how to build the right product for your business in our recent masterclass. Watch the full session here: https://lnkd.in/d_wYd5nS 4. Wrong business model: Even with the right product, if your monetization strategy isn’t right, success will remain elusive. Success in tech often comes from learning through experience and surrounding yourself with those who’ve navigated the journey. This is why we do what we do at Founders Connect, thanks to Peace Itimi, because tech entrepreneurship isn’t a smooth road—it’s about handling setbacks, pivoting when needed, and recognizing that even with everything aligned, the market may still throw surprises your way. Let’s know what you think in the comment.

*Can your simple college project turn into a fully-funded, patented product?* That’s exactly what happened with me and Suavy Technologies Private Limited. Flashback to my second year of college – it’s lockdown time. One of my friends comes up with this brilliant idea for a smart electrical product. We’re all excited, but here’s the problem… we had ZERO clue where to even start! Fast forward to today: we’ve raised 10 lakhs in pre-seed funding and patented our idea. 💡 Here are 5 lessons that helped us turn our vision into reality: 1️⃣ Talk to EVERYONE about your idea. I know what you're thinking—"But what if someone steals it?" Honestly, it takes a lot more courage and passion to execute an idea than you might think. You've got that. Most people don’t. 😉 2️⃣ Don’t rely on your college for support. Most institutions won’t encourage you to step outside the academic box. If yours does, count yourself lucky! Otherwise, be ready to hustle during those after-hours. 3️⃣ Create a Proof of Concept (POC). It’s not just about dreaming; it’s about showing. A solid POC proves you’re serious and gives you something to pitch, whether it's to investors, mentors, or potential partners. 4️⃣ Network like your future depends on it. Startup programs, funding events, incubators—they’re all out there, waiting for you to take advantage. Submit your idea, pitch it, and GET IT DONE. Now we failed to create a successful business out of it, but that's a story for another day! 😤 #startups #innovation #coding #tech #jobmarket #React #collegeprojects #entrepreneurship