Lightning in a Bottle:

Getting Investors Interested in Your Crazy Idea

Lightning(okay, maybe

thunder)

Bottle

1. Get TractionNothing says “good idea” like happy customers

By the gods!This “lightning-boomerang-

hammer” idea actually works!

2. Minimum Viable ProductShow how people are using your product, or at least have a working demo

Even with this absurdly tiny hammer, I can still

kick some butt.

3. Have a Great TeamPast startup success or experience in area relevant to customers

Technical teams > Business teams

Good teams >> Good ideas

Who wouldn’t want to fund

this?

These Also Help:Good presentation skills

Large total addressable market

Intellectual property

Some Specific Avenues:Incubators: YCombinator, TechStars, etc.

Rice Alliance Events

Network: SXSWi

Launch Events: TechCrunch Disrupt, DEMO, SXSW Accelerate

If Things Don’t Work Out:Remember: customers validate a business, NOT investors

Pivot or try something else until you find a business model that gets traction

Hmm… maybe I can apply my“lightning-boomerang-hammer” idea to

mobile.That’s a growing market..

What’s It All Mean?

Start hacking and just do it!

Thanks!

@shiondev80legs.comcreeris.com