A recent report from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute indicated that a vast majority of global technology and innovation organizations are open and active and international delegations are returning. Businesses and university students are also returning; there appears to be a pent-up desire for startups to return to the Bay Area. Entrepreneurs are eager to participate in the Silicon Valley’s unique ecosystem that includes corporate leaders working with universities and investing in startups.
Even as reports declare that startup companies are locating to other American cities, Silicon Valley retains its reputation. It is still the epicenter of innovation. No other tech center in the world can replicate the depth of the Silicon Valley’s ecosystem. It is still the destination for inventive international entrepreneurs that want to be at the forefront of innovation.
Each year hundreds of companies come to Silicon Valley with a dream, a vision, a product. They want to learn how to propel their company to success. Ramp-Up Lab, (www.rampuplab.com) based in the Silicon Valley, helps foreign entrepreneurs, academia and corporate innovation teams better understand the US tech ecosystems through programs designed to provide access and next steps to launch a business here.
Among the feedback from participants in recent boot camp programs, students reported they learned how to make a pitch from some of the best- and best-known VC’s in the world. They also learned how to make use of a connection and how to promote business to the decision makers who make it happen here.
And they learned that although it is friendly here in California, it is very competitive. Someone has probably thought about your idea or app. It looks easy, simple enough, informal dress, sipping coffee at Philz. Don’t be fooled by the informality. This is serious business. Ninety three percent (93%) of tech startups fail.
Knowing what to expect and how to gain access to the right people in the ecosystem is key to success. You want to be among the 7% that succeed.