Increasing connectivity for startup founders
For a first time entrepreneur seeking to grow a startup tech company, there is nothing that impacts their success more than getting connected to the right person who can help with a critical issue. Critical connections span many areas such as opening a sales channel, mentoring on a business challenge, finding the right team member or service provider, or getting access to a source of capital. First time entrepreneurs typically begin with an abundance of need and few relationships in the specific areas of highest impact for their business success. After speaking to successful expatriate entrepreneurs across the country, we found that nearly all left Upstate early on because they did not know others who had traveled the same path before them.
UVC is engaged in several efforts to build a more connected community spanning Upstate communities as well as linking to the large numbers of alumni and expatriates residing in major metropolitan areas across the U.S.
- UVC is working with young entrepreneurs across the region (Syracuse, Ithaca, Rochester, Buffalo) to promote Tech Meetup groups and co-working spaces.
- Vconnect is an invitation-only group of "Connectors" across the Upstate ecosystem.
- Upstate Venture Connect groups on Linkedin and Facebook help our community share ideas, provide updates, and organize collaborative activities.
- UVC Events Calendar and monthly newsletters feature upcoming tech meetups, networking events, startup competitions, venture forums, and training programs.
