I still keep hearing from entrepreneurs that VCs are hard to reach. It's time to make an even stronger attempt to change that perception with a new idea that I had earlier today. I'm always looking for ways to help entrepreneurs. So, let's try this once and see how it works:
On Friday, April 20, I would like to invite ANY person that wants to meet to come by our office in Raleigh. You can have just an idea all the way to a well run business doing millions in revenue. It doesn't matter. And all the typical venture capital BS that you may hear is removed - you won't be screened out in advance, you don't need to know someone to "get in" and there are no secret handshakes required. Everyone is welcome and I'll plan to be in the office all day.
Just some very simple criteria: your idea or company has to be technology related. That's it!
Let's try this - in case there is overwhelming interest, I'll meet anyone that wants to come over in 15 minute time blocks. You can present your idea or company in 10 minutes and leave 5 minutes for Q&A.
I don't know anyone else that has ever tried this. I'm not sure this is going to work or that the format is the best, but I wanted to try something new, something different. But it is really important to me that our firm is always accessible to everyone. This is for the entrepreneurs that may be in hiding - quietly working on code building the next great company, the people with rapidly scaling companies, students, faculty members, former/current entrepreneurs, people even dreaming of an idea, people working in one of those "big companies" locally or.... everyone in between.
Please e-mail me in advance to schedule a time that works for both of us and we will make this happen. First come, first serve.
I hope all of this makes sense. If you're reading this and have input, please leave comments or questions. I want to keep this real open. And for those that meet with me and go through this, please give me feedback. If it works out really well for everyone involved, I'll keep doing it. But of course, I'm open to changes, whatever they may be.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Excellent. Way to put it out there. I have talked with dozens of folks who have awesome ideas, and even decent plans for execution; but have limited "business/vc" contacts..I applaud this effort!
Posted by: Rob Humphrey | April 15, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Jason,
Great plan. I wish I lived in Raleigh (I would be willing to travel there though).
Are you only interested in talking to RTP area companies? How about some from even further South - East (miami)
Posted by: Brian Breslin | March 28, 2007 at 08:42 PM
Jason
I dont live in Raleigh, am not looking for funding, but I think your idea, candor and open format is refreshing.
good luck.
Posted by: Mukund Mohan | March 28, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Great idea. I'll distribute the info to my aspiring entrepreneur friends.
Posted by: Ryan Allis | March 28, 2007 at 05:14 PM