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Silicon Valley Spring 2013
Applications: Mar 17, '13
Sessions: Apr 01, '13 - Jul 09, '13
Vision
Our vision is to Globalize Silicon Valley by creating and fostering local startup ecosystems in promising markets across the globe. We aim to help launch 1,000 technology companies per year in over 50 cities worldwide.
Sponsors
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is the premier legal advisor to technology and growth enterprises worldwide, as well as the investment banks and venture capital firms that finance them. Over the past four decades, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has established its reputation by having an unmatched knowledge of its clients' industries and deep and long-standing contacts throughout the technology sector. The firm's legal expertise serves clients at all stages of growth, from venture-backed start-up companies to multibillion-dollar global enterprises. The firm's clients include some of the most recognized names in the technology, retail, life sciences, venture capital, and finance sectors. The firm has offices in Austin, Palo Alto, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, and Washington, D.C.
First Republic Bank and its subsidiaries provide private banking, private business banking and the full range of wealth management services with an emphasis on exceptional relationship-based service and a solid commitment to responsiveness and action.
Ravix Group - Ravix Group Inc.provides seasoned consulting expertise to outsource the finance, human resources, and facilities functions of early-stage and middle market companies so that management can focus on their priorities to increase the value of their company.
Purplepatch Services is a strategy consulting firm offering technology firms Marketing Communications and User Experience Design solutions.
Improving Lives is the Most Satisfying Part of Helping Sydney Entrepreneurs, says @BenjaminChong
Founder Institute Directors devote a large amount of time and energy to bring together the local startup ecosystem and launch great companies. In this week's Director Profile, we sit down with Benjamin Chong, Co-director of the Sydney Founder Institute, to get his perspective on the Sydney startup scene.
Benjamin is a Partner of Right Click Capital and has track record of investing in and building successful Internet-related businesses over the last fifteen years. These include Online Agility, an incubator and developer of online businesses, and Jetabroad, one of Australia’s leading online travel companies. Benjamin has served on the boards of a number of portfolio companies.
Since launching the program in the beginning of 2012, the Sydney Founder Institute has launched 16 companies, including Task Orbit, Connect Golf, Slidefish, and heyamama, just to name a few. In addition, the program has hosted amazing mentors like Dean McEvoy (Spreets), Gagan Biyani (Udemy), David Jones (ThreatMetrix), Colin Fabig (Living Social Australia), Vinnie Lauria (Lefora), Bjorn Behrendt (StyleTread), Christian Magel (amaysim), Conrad Yiu (ArdenPoint), Alec Lynch (DesignCrowd), Ari Klinger (Helpa), Benjamin Ranck (Jetabroad), Gabe Zichermann (Gamification Co), Justus Hammer (Spreets), and many more.
How has the local startup ecosystem been growing in Sydney?
"There's been huge growth in Sydney. On any night of the week, there'll be a local startup or tech event with people eager to meet, share, and learn. We have some incubators, accelerators, and a local angels group. The key is to channel this excitement into a sustainable ecosystem."
What do you think is the biggest challenge for a new founder in Sydney?
"Finding the right co-founders is terribly important. And I don't think this challenge is limited to Sydney."
What are the biggest trends you are seeing locally? Where is the ecosystem headed?
"Over the last twelve months, there's been a huge number of app businesses."
What was your motivation for starting the Sydney Founder Institute?
"One of my good friends, Benjamin Ranck, was meant to take part in one of the original Founder Institute programs in Silicon Valley but moved back to Australia. In 2011 he told me that Sydney needed a local Founder Institute to help founders build serious technology companies. As a founder who has experienced many setbacks, I was impressed by the Founder Institute model. I really liked the idea of involving over 30 local mentors and helping founders to explore and develop their business ideas.
After meeting with Adeo Ressi in Silicon Valley, I was convinced that the Founder Institute belonged in Sydney and we started laying the groundwork for our first semester in 2012. With the support of experienced mentors, I'm glad that the Sydney Founder Institute is helping founders on their entrepreneurial journey."
What impact do you hope the Sydney Founder Institute to have?
"I'd love to see a generation of new entrepreneurial businesses spring from Sydney."
What is the most satisfying aspect of helping new entrepreneurs?
"Helping entrepreneurs to achieve success by transforming industries and making people's lives better."
What is the most challenging aspect of helping new entrepreneurs?
"Helping some entrepreneurs to see another perspective. It's critical for entrepreneurs to take constructive feedback on board."
What has been your biggest surprise since starting the program?
"It's been great seeing the number of experienced entrepreneurs becoming mentors and getting involved. I've been impressed by the generosity and commitment of entrepreneurs who are giving back to the next generation of entrepreneurs."
If you could use expert training and feedback to launch a startup in Australia, apply to the Sydney Founder Institute today.
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