Ask HN: Pitching at a Startup Weekend Event

#1

Post by blue_smock » Thu, Oct 18, 2012, 6:23 PM UTC

Hello,

I'm going to be attending an upcoming startup event. I have an idea that I'd like to get started on. I've been thinking about this idea for the last few months and my initial approach was to learn enough to build the prototype and then from there, find a technical cofounder to polish it. However, since finding out about the event, I've been thinking about pitching my idea. Do you recommend pitching an idea at events like this? If my idea isn't chosen, I'm afraid that someone who is more technically skilled will take the idea and run with it. I've spoken to a few people about my idea and they all think it's a good idea if implemented correctly. I apologize for my lengthy message but please advise. p.s. I know some programming but web development is a whole new ball game for me.

Thanks.

Re: Ask HN: Pitching at a Startup Weekend Event

#2

Post by matznerd » Thu, Oct 18, 2012, 6:31 PM UTC

I don't think you will really have too big of a problem, people are so distracted by all of the other ideas being pitched. I participated in at the last Startup Weekend in NYC, and out of little more than 100 people, 60+ of them presented there own ideas. I think people are more in your boat, of trying to get their idea built, than trying to steal ideas.

And if you're idea being made public is going to ruin it, then it probably is going to be hard to be successful in the first place. Ideas are out there, but the passion within you is what really makes them happen.

If you do pitch, do a good pitch because you need to stand out and get people to vote on your idea to be one of the 20 or so that is chosen. I pitched at the last event, and got enough votes to continue, and actually went on to win the event, so msg me if you want tips. I am thinking of writing an article on it...

Re: Ask HN: Pitching at a Startup Weekend Event

#3

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Oct 18, 2012, 6:31 PM UTC

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Re: Ask HN: Pitching at a Startup Weekend Event

#4

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Oct 18, 2012, 6:31 PM UTC

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Re: Ask HN: Pitching at a Startup Weekend Event

#5

Post by blue_smock » Thu, Oct 18, 2012, 6:42 PM UTC

matznerd wrote: post #2

I don't think you will really have too big of a problem, people are so distracted by all of the other ideas being pitched. I participated in at the last Startup Weekend in NYC, and out of little more than 100 people, 60+ of them presented there own ideas. I think people are more in your boat, of trying to get their idea built, than trying to steal ideas. And if you're idea being made public is going to ruin it, then…

Thanks for your response. I'd definitely love some tips as to how to do well at Startup Weekend. I'd email you if that's more convenient.

Thanks again.