Preview of the MassChallenge Sampler: An Accelerator Mini-Series

The winter planning season at MassChallenge has resulted in some really exciting events for entrepreneurs, students, and those vested in innovation and economic growth. Our goal when thinking about the lead in to the April 3^rd application deadline was to orchestrate a mini-series of events that would help all entrepreneurs.  Entrepreneurs are the value creators and problem solvers of our society.  Startups are developing the most innovative technologies, newest solutions, and creating jobs!  All of us as a society benefit when we support startups. MassChallenge’s dedicated community of sponsors, mentors, alumni and other supporters have found ways to help and we want to pass it on. 

The MassChallenge Sampler is an opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to gain access and information from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, mentors (etc.) that will provide value to any startup, in any industry.  We plan to provide practical education and skills to anyone who wants to learn.  We see this as an occasion to showcase what makes the MassChallenge Accelerator special while helping all startups (no matter their admission status) get off on the right foot.  The Sampler is also a chance to meet, question and network with leaders in Boston’s dynamic startup community.  We have determined eight essential pillars that every entrepreneur needs to acknowledge of when forming a new business:

Each of the eight episodes will revolve around one of these themes with a bit of a twist.  We aren’t going to just lay out the bullet points of why each of these pillars are important, we want to dispel the common myths and provide handy tips to better prepare entrepreneurs for the rollercoaster ride they are about to embark on.  So, if you think you’re ready or you think you know it all this is your opportunity to find out!

See below for a list of speakers, dates and registration links to each episode.

 We can’t wait to see you there!

January 29

Episode I: Foundation

The ‘aha’ moment - knowing when to quit your day job. 

John Harthorne Founder & CEO MassChallenge speaker	Jim Miller CEO and Founder Fire +Ice speaker	Anna Callahan CEO/CTO and Founder, ZoomTilt speaker

February 5

Episode II: Mentorship

Finding Yoda - best practices for seeking, securing, and maximizing success with mentors as an early-stage entrepreneur and beyond.

Karl Büttner Chief Mentorship Officer, MassChallenge moderator	Jay Batson VP & Co-Founder, Acquia panelist	Sarah Biller  President, Capital Market Exchange (CMX) panelist	Brian Kalma Chief Experience Officer, Gemvara panelist

February 19

Episode III: Marketing

Importance of being branded with MITX. Here to dispel the myth that marketing comes later in the process and cycle of launching a startup.

DOUG FOX VP BRAND DEVELOPMENT, PHILLIPS DESIGN GROUP KEYNOTE/MODERATOR	MARLO FOGELMAN PRINCIPAL, MARLO MARKETING PANELISt	HARVEY SIMMONS  DEAN OF MARKETING AFFAIRS, EVERTRUE PANELIST	Biff Burns EVP, Advertiser and Agency Relations OneScreen Inc. PANEList

February 26

Episode IV: Fundraising

You might not be ready for $ ... yet. Learn when you are ready and what type of fundraising is right for your early-stage startup and the key steps to preparation.

Sean Marsh Co-Founder/General Partner, Point Judith Capital Moderator	Kit Hickey Co-Founder,  Ministry of Supply panelist

March 5

Episode VI: Leadership

Female founders tell it like it is with the Center for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership (CWEL) at Babson College. Hear the women CEOs share how they’re forging their own entrepreneurial paths and discuss what it takes to rise to the top.

SUSAN DUFFY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP AT BABSON COLLEGE MODERATOR	JOANNA MIESELLES SENIOR DIRECTOR, PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS, MASSCHALLENGE FOUNDER, SNIP-ITS PANELIST	SARA GRAGNOLATI CEO & FOUNDER, COCOMAMA PANELIST	AUBRIE PAGANO CEO & FOUNDER  BOW AND DRAPE PANELISt	JACQUELINE THONG CEO & FOUNDER UBIQI HEALTH PANELIST

March 12

Episode VI: Media

Lights, camera, action! PR faux pas uncovered.  Learn the dos and don'ts of dealing with the Media as an early-stage startup.

Jodi-Tatiana Charles CEO and Brandographer, La Capoise Galerie moderator

March 19

Episode VII: Networking

Learn how to work a room with confidence and network effectively before heading into MassAccess, a speed networking event.

Jules Pieri Founder and CEO, Daily Grommet Keynote

April 9

Episode VIII: Community

Entrepalooza, a showcase of Boston’s startup resources, stay tuned for the list of partners!

Help us spread the word! Click to tweet about the MC Sampler Mini-Series!

A big thank you to our event partners , , and   for providing snacks during the MC Sampler!

Important Dates to Remember:

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Lizzie Ryckewaert, MassChallenge Marketing & Events

Have a great week and be sure to come back to the MassChallenge Blog for more advice, insights and startup profiles from the Startup Accelerator. 

Important 2013 Accelerator Dates:

Launch and Applications Open February 13, 2013

Application Deadline April 3, 2012