TiEcon 2008 Sponsors

E-Bazaar a VC's perspective- Part 2

Lara Druyan, a top notch VC in silicon valley is a General Partner at Allegis Capital. Lara believes that when a company approaches VCs for funding, it should put itself in VC's shoes and think about what it wants as an investor. VCs get convinced more when they are told about what they get as an investor and not only the product that the company is working on. A VC according to Lara, as an investor wants
1) to focus on BIG markets
2) a good quality team
3) a defensible technology


Concentrating solely on technology in the pitch is not a good idea, she says. In other words, the technology should reach a point where it will be marketable and usable among the end users sooner - it's better to fail early so that you can make adjustments while you still have money. VCs also expect the team to have a highly qualified techie person on the team if the company is about hitech product. It makes more sense if the company is honest upfront about the resources and people they are lacking so that VCs can help fill in holes on the executive team. Knowing what you know or even don't know is of utmost importance, she says. Watch the video -- Neha Dadhbhawala from TiECon Live team interviews Lara Druyan to understand the functional skills VCs looks mostly in entrepreneurs in the E-Bazaar event of TiECon 2008.

TiECon 2008, the world's largest convention for entrepreneurs is being held on 16th and 17th May 2008 at Santa Clara Convention Center in silicon valley. More information on www.tiecon.org

E-Bazaar a VC's perspective- Part 1

Dharmesh Thakker is a Senior Associate with Advanced Technology Ventures based in silicon valley. Dharmesh is intersted in meeting high quality people and professinals and believes that TiE is one of the best platforms that serves this purpose. According to Dharmesh, TiE not only gives Venture Capitalists like him a good opportunity to meet aspiring entrepreneurs but also like minded VCs in the silicon valley with whom he can partner with in funding, growing and mentoring new companies.

Advanced Technology Ventures, according to Dharmesh, can help fund and grow companies that are early or mid stage. Early stage companies mostly have work in developing the technolgy and executing the project. The technical skills and execution ability of the whole team plays a key role in being VC friendly and attracting needed money. Mid size companies are those where the company has already graduated from the technological innovation and is trying to scale up the technology to cater to different and more users. An invincible business development strategy, enviable market positioning and best sales force are very important to pitch the company's growing financial needs, Dharmesh says. Advanced Technology Ventures is among numerous Venture Capital firms participating in the much sought after E-Bazaar event on 16th May during TiECon 2008 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, Silicon Valley.

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TiECon Success Story

Farzin Shahidi, the CEO of an early stage startup NextPlane during May 2007 was introduced to TiE charter member Sandip Gupta just prior to TiECon 2007. NextPlane signed up for the Entrepreneurs Bazaar, the only event of its kind where over 40 leading Venture Capitalists, Lawyers, Bankers, and other members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem come together to help you take your venture to the next level.


The business plan that NextPlane pitched infront of the prospective investors met with exactly what they desired. The candid perspective on their pitch by the prospective investors helped them shape the business plan that they are marching to with great pride and confidence today. Farzin believes that TiE network has proven more helpful to him than any other entrepreneurial network he got engaged in and that introductions at TiE with executives from different industries is just a beginning of a long time relationship. NextPlane has just closed its Series-A round of investment.

If you already have an early stage startup or if you are planning to start a startup and looking for money, Entrepreneurs Bazaar @ TiECon 2008 is the right place. Meet the top notch Venture Capitalist of silicon valley and convince them about your plan and walk away with loads of money !!

Visit Entrepreneurs Bazaar @ TiECon 2008 on 16th May 2008 at the Santa Clara Convention Center . Register today and get attractive discounts

The Trials and Tribulations of Starting a Company

One of the topics of panel discussion on day one of TiECon 2008 is for people who have never made their hands dirty. Few serial entrepreneurs of our time will share their knowledge on what it takes to start a startup, build a winning team, protect the company's IP and much more. The panel discussion named "The Trials and Tribulations of Starting a Company" starts at 11:00 am on 16h May in Santa Clara Convention Center. Visit TiECon 2008 Agenda and register for TiECon 2008.

TiEcon 2008 Conference: Entrepreneurship Unbounded. www.tiecon.org

TiEcon 2008, the world's largest entrepreneurs conference is being held on May 16-17, 2008, at Santa Clara Convention Center. This year's conference theme is, "Entrepreneurship Unbounded: Inspiration from the Frontlines". For more details, check out www.tiecon.org.