Participants Sought for StartUp Weekend Iowa City

54 Hour Event to Build Scalable Companies that Solve Real-World Problems

Entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to register for StartUp Weekend Iowa City, held September 30 – October 2 at the Pappajohn Business Building on the University of Iowa Campus.

Startup Weekends engage innovators, makers and do-ers in a community to come together, pitch ideas, and work to build companies that solve real-world problems.  On average, half of Startup Weekend's attendees have technical, design or software backgrounds and the other half have business backgrounds. 

Tickets are $99; $35 for students.  Early bird registration rates are available for most ticket categories until September 9, 2011.  For a complete agenda and to register, visit iowacity.startupweekend.org.

Among the many highlights of the weekend is a video keynote presentation provided by Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com.  Additionally, the ticket covers all presentations, meals, materials, mentor support, and access to other resources from the Startup Weekend organization.  “And all the coffee they can drink,” added Shannon Thomas, an organizer of the event.

Thomas, who works for the University of Iowa Foundation, and is a founder of FUNDLE, a startup created at Startup Weekend Des Moines, says participants will be hands-on from start to finish.  “The weekend focuses on strategy, creation and testing concepts,” says Thomas.  “Attendees build personal and professional networks and leave with motivation, encouragement, and resources to implement their ideas.”

While many ideas are tech or application based solutions, any business idea that addresses an audience beyond just a local market is welcome.  Local tech and startup leaders serve as speakers, mentors and judges and provide help along the way.  Thomas added, “These strong leaders in entrepreneurship may also decide to help fund an idea in the end.”

This is one of a series of programs and events newly introduced in the area to continue creating a culture of innovation, according to Mark Nolte of the Iowa City Area Development Group.   “Interaction and participation is what helps build ideas, and scalable ideas lead to companies and jobs,” said Nolte, ICAD Group’s Business Development Director.  “Startup Weekend Iowa City helps anyone with an idea work on a new platform, try a different business approach and let creative juices flow.”

Nolte points to Startup Weekend’s history of success.  “Over 36% of Startup Weekend startups are still going strong after 3 months and roughly 80% of participants plan on continuing working with their team or startup after the weekend.  More than 1,000 ventures have been launched worldwide at these events,” said Nolte.

About Startup Weekend:
Startup Weekend, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate and empower individuals, teams and communities. Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable.  On average, half of Startup Weekend's attendees have technical backgrounds and the other half have business backgrounds. Startup Weekends are held in over 65 countries and 185 cities around the world.  Startup Weekend has built a network of more than 32,000 alumni, who have launched more than 1,000 ventures at the events. For more information, visit www.startupweekend.org.