27th
Silicon Valley: best trip ever
I think we have learned as much about networking the place in 1.5 weeks in the Valley than in 1 year in Switzerland. Ok, this week was really focused: meeting as many people as possible and getting as much feedback as possible on Minsh ! Here are some thoughts about the trip.
Things just happen.
It’s the land where things happen … or not ! And you know it very fast. For example, if you send an email, and you don’t get an answer 10 minutes later, there is a strong probability that you’ll never get one.
Randomness.
Everything is so concentrated: smart people, startups, … So, really surprising stuff happen like meeting Paul Graham randomly in the streets of Palo Alto near CoopaCafe. Or still in Palo Alto, passing by Mark Zuckerberg going to the Facebook cafeteria (which we actually tried, it’s very good). Next time, we’ll pitch him Minsh :))
Funding.
A couple of entrepreneurs that we have met have a primary job and develop their startup as a side-project. They all agree that in this tough times, money is very difficult to find (or at unattractive terms) for early-stage startups. So what’s needed ? Proven user traction (at least 50K users) and some revenue will help.
Communities.
Before leaving to the Valley, you should do your homework. Try to get some silicon valley contacts from your local contacts. Somehow you’ll feel that sharing the same language helps to connect. Also when you’re there getting in touch with national organizations is the best way to get contacts (Swissnex SF for swiss people is a great start, thank you Birgit ;-)
