Problem solving is a key skill for entrepreneurs – startups face problems every day. What techniques can you use? Watch this video for a crash course that will give you useful techniques to apply straight away. Specifics: What is the purpose of your venture? This is really important context. Is the “problem” really a problem?…
Continue reading →What do angel investors like me look for in investable early-stage companies? It’s all about: You and your team Your market Your startup Your progress Your financial plan Your investment terms Your other investors (and a few other things too). Watch the video of a talk I gave on the subject at CreativeHQ‘s Startup Garage…
Continue reading →I recently facilitated Startup Weekend Hawkes Bay, the first such event in one of my favourite regions of New Zealand. Most of the people there were first-timers, and they put in a fantastic effort. Just after the final presentations, one of our esteemed judges and local hero Sir Graeme Avery decided to give an impromptu…
Continue reading →As a side event of NetHui this year, I was asked by Hayden Glass and Glenn Williams to participate in a Moxie Session with Jenene Crossan and Ross Young, marking the 25th anniversary of the Internet in New Zealand and discussing what the next 25 would be like. My bottom line is that we have…
Continue reading →An introduction to the startup ecosystem in New Zealand and particularly Wellington. I was invited recently to attend a workshop organised by Brian Monahan, Matthew Monahan, and Yoseph Ayele who have recently decided to come to New Zealand and help turbo-charge our local startup scene. The purpose of the workshop was to help strengthen ties…
Continue reading →A couple of months ago, the great people from MyFirstCompany.co.nz interviewed me to collect my sage advice for budding entrepreneurs. Here is what I told them: What is WebFund all about? What’s the difference between a good idea and a good business idea? What should I think about before approaching an investor? How important is…
Continue reading →Earlier this year, I was invited to a Summer of Code panel session with Melissa Clark-Reynolds, Lance Wiggs, and Glenn Andert on building great businesses. This YouTube clip neatly summarises my philosophy. Enjoy!
Continue reading →Here I am talking up the Bright Ideas Challenge, and why innovation is important to Wellington and New Zealand.
Continue reading →Ignite Wellington was part of Global Ignite Week, and I was invited to do a talk as part of this exciting and (as a presenter) nerve-wracking endeavour. Each presenter is given exactly 5 minutes to present, and allocated 20 Powerpoint slides which are automatically advanced every 15 seconds; the presenter has no control over the…
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