The Newest TechStars Grant Recipients!

Posted by & filed under Venture Capital.

Many companies know about Techstars, the accelerator program that offers programs in cities across the country. But the Techstars Foundation, a non-profit organization, supports the startup community in a different way. The foundation aims to improve gender, racial, and socio-economic diversity in the technology industry through an array of awards that support organizations that share similar diversity goals. We think it’s an awesome way to encourage innovation, so we wanted to highlight the program here.  Read more »

woman with a laptop working from home smiling

Tips for Working from Home

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When progressive companies began to experiment with telecommuting arrangements in the 1980’s, many supervisors questioned whether productivity would decline. Jump ahead 35 years and we find that the naysayers were proven wrong. The old managerial dynamic of believing that close supervision is the way to achieve results no longer applies. Even if you work in an office, you likely also work from home. The dividing line between work and home has been forever blurred — for better or worse. These days, working from home is as ubiquitous as the cell phone.
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A Few Reasons Why Start Ups Should Sponsor Charity Events

Posted by & filed under Giving Back.

I walk into the event, give my name, take my complimentary pen, and am given a glass of sweet sparkling red wine. I pop an hors d’oeuvre in my mouth from one of the passing trays and start to circle the room. It feels a lot like a party, but it’s also an integral and serious part of being a leader at a new company.
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BigFish Capital Gives Back

Posted by & filed under Giving Back.

Recently we were approached to attend and sponsor an event supporting an awesome cause, and we jumped at the chance. America On Track was founded with a simple mission: to improve the social conditions of children that are under-privileged, under-served, and overlooked. Many of the children supported by this charity have one or both parents in prison. The program provides support through mentoring, and classes and activities that focus on health and fitness, gang and drug prevention, leadership, and academic achievement. Whether this means securing internet in the children’s homes, or providing a mentor to be a stable support system, America On Track is dedicated to helping kids in the program succeed.
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Vanity Project or Worthwhile Venture?

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Creating a start-up business is always exciting, but it is a process that needs to be done with care. A lot of people make the mistake of putting a lot of money into a project because they really want it to become big, rather than creating something that truly fits the needs of the market. If you are hoping to create a new business, you need to be doing it for the right reasons.
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3 Tips for Getting your Startup Off and Running

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Get that startup started

Starting up a business can be both challenging and exciting. Every entrepreneur has a vision of success in their future, but reaching that goal is difficult and time-consuming at times. If you are considering starting up your own business, be sure to keep these tips in mind. They will help you get your startup off and running the right way.
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Why Start Ups Are Important to the Economy

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Whenever someone looks at how well an economy is doing, it is important that they take serious look at small businesses and start up companies. Why are start ups important? The number of companies that are starting up during a given period of time (usually the quarter of a year that the economy is measured in) will give a pretty clear indication of what the business market looks like. Read more »

Choosing an Investor: From Funding Source To Business Partner

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Before you spend time looking for the appropriate investor, you need to conceptualize the fact that you are selecting a partner, not just a source of funding. As a startup or small business owner, you may have to forge a relationship with your investors. You want to work with someone who respects your product, is able to offer appropriate support, and is an identity that you and your business can relate to. Take note that any addition to your team plays with your reputation and your brand. Read more »