DCWEEK on UserVoice

Drop Electric [updated]

2012-04-13T06:10:21-07:00

Www.dropelectric.com

Calix Runs-This said:

Thank you! you all are great as well!

ResumeSight [updated]

2012-03-13T06:01:10-07:00

We want to revolutionize the way resumes are created, shared and reviewed. Get your work history supported by previous colleagues and submit your resume to employers with an increased sense of validity.

Build a Resume said:

Build a Resume
Many thanks for the exciting blog posting!
<a href ="http://www.michaelbjunge.com/"> </a>

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-02-01T12:45:01-08:00

Bringing highly motivated people together and providing them a space to interact is one important precursor to entrepreneurship. The number one challenge tech/entrepreneurship meetups have is finding a "good" location. A good location would be one that is central (DC as opposed to VA/MD) and one that provides both size and facilities for high-quality presentations. In short: facilitating collaboration -> greater opportunities for entrepreneurship. My presentation would talk (1) about meetup statistics/trends across major cities in the areas of tech/entrepreneurship (2) the importance of collaboration in facilitating entrepreneurship.

Faith Davis said:

Excellent Idea

A Financial Market for Social Enterprises (A Non Profit Wall Street)

2012-01-31T08:58:56-08:00

Isaac Dorsey suggested:
A Financial Market for Social Enterprises (A Non Profit Wall Street)

The National Piggy Bank [updated]

2012-01-31T05:26:25-08:00

The single largest industry in the DC region is government. Government desperately needs innovative solutions to serve citizens better while reducing costs. Meanwhile, the need for the DC region to expand its vibrant startup economy only becomes more urgent as government budget cuts eliminate traditional government jobs across the region. The National Piggy Bank will be a key bridge in this transition from government contracting jobs to government innovation jobs. The National Piggy Bank is a social platform for organizing, discussing, and realizing scientific, technological, and innovative ideas for public good. Startups are involved at three levels. One, the Piggy Bank has partners with growing startups to build the site and provide benefits to the community of users. Two, community entrepreneurs are participating in conversations on the site and determining the value of ideas. Three, beneficiary startups receive funding or other benefits as part of an "exit strategy" for their good ideas. In sum, the National Piggy Bank will generate shared value for its founders and partners, the startup community at large, and citizens across America. You can see the beta site at http://nationalpiggybank.org.

Dr. Andrew Pouring said:

Good luck

The National Piggy Bank [updated]

2012-01-31T05:26:09-08:00

Dr. Andrew Pouring said:

Good luck

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-27T03:59:22-08:00

Hyuk Yang said:

Would love to see your idea develop. Good luck!!!

Ties to T-Shirts: Educate and encourage experienced professionals towards entrepreneurship [updated]

2012-01-26T15:27:46-08:00

There are many great existing ideas and programs that are focused on helping increasingly younger people become entrepreneurs, but we are still missing out on the much larger group of existing professionals we already have in this country and especially in DC. And unlike students, these existing professionals can enter and energize the startup community right away. We need a program that teaches experienced professionals how to translate their existing skills to the startup world. The program would also connect them with experienced entrepreneur mentors who have made the same transition. These mentors would share what is involved, what the real risks and rewards are (vs. the scary unknown many perceive now), and the many ways you can start to explore entrepreneurship while keeping your day job. It would supplement the many great resources we already have for startups here in DC, not replace them. Company/government professionals have years of experience in many of the technologies and skills that startups are looking for today. They also have a deep understanding of their respective business areas, awareness of the many problems that need solving in those areas, and a network of colleagues they can pull on to help them solve those problems. What they are missing is an understanding of what it takes to start a new company to address those problems and the confidence to make the attempt. This is a missed opportunity for them, for the larger DC tech community that is missing out on their skills/experience, and for the DC-area corporations/entities that are missing out on key innovations that simply can’t generate from within. San Francisco in particular thrives on employees moving from large companies to startups and then back again. I’ve experienced both startups and large corporations. It’s amazing how different the world can seem from these different perspectives. By sharing the perspective and potential of entrepreneurship with existing professionals along with the tools for them to take the jump I think we can unlock DC’s hidden tech potential in a way that helps its larger entities as well. As far as the talk, I don't have a video, but it would probably include some (but not all :) of the following - me tearing off a suit to reveal a DC tech shirt, play acting (i.e. remembering) a frustrated corporate innovator trapped in his cubicle, play acting an entrepreneur desperately trying to connect a corporation/government organization, and a singing finale where both of them come together to change the world (both played by me Bobby McFerrin style :).

David Rees said:

A quote from PEhub interview of Steve Case that seems relevant:
"very smart engineers who go into the government – while they might not necessarily be great entrepreneurs – can do a lot of the heavily lifting required [of a startup]. Maybe they can’t take on the risk of starting a company, but they can help scale one. And as more companies are started here, you’ll see greater network effects and increasing returns."
http://www.pehub.com/132736/steve-case-washington-is-no-also-ran/

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-26T08:50:49-08:00

Jeongmin Lee said:

Great idea!

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T13:56:27-08:00

Zac said:

A good meeting space is essential, but a factor that is usually overlooked.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T10:23:02-08:00

Yixin said:

Great idea!

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T10:21:41-08:00

Ying Geng said:

really excited at ur idea!

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T10:00:23-08:00

Shweta said:

Great idea!!! Interaction among entrepreneurial individuals is crucial to encourage collaboration and create opportunities.The key to creating these entrepreneurial opportunities, is to find a good location at DC; for the communities in and around DC to meet up .

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T08:43:29-08:00

Qiang Li said:

This is a great idea! I like it.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T08:14:22-08:00

Jojaku said:

Good luck!

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T07:45:28-08:00

Scott said:

Way to go. This is a great idea to foster entrepreneurship in this area. We need more innovative ideas coming out of this region and your centralized location is a great way to start this process.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T07:44:02-08:00

Scott said:

Outstanding idea. With the economy needing innovation and business creation - this will certainly create an environment which fosters this type of activity. Its great to see someone taking ownership of creating some entrepreneurial actions.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-25T01:40:26-08:00

jiyoungcpark said:

Good luck!

Provide Playgrounds to Create Cities

2012-01-24T22:01:59-08:00

Jordan Maneval suggested:
As an aspiring entrepreneur, I can tell you the roadblocks. I have doubts about my ideas, I have trouble finding cofounders, I’m too old to take a chance, I don’t know who to talk to or what to ask, no matter how many events I go to, accomplishing my goals seems more and more distant. I’d like to solve a problem that seems miniscule but prevents most individuals from becoming entrepreneurs. I will provide a support system for the community by instituting a free collaborative space. We will create a physical space that resembles a playground or library more than an office. Individuals will be able to visit, work on new ventures and meet others with similar aspirations. There will be discussions and mentor meetings with successful local entrepreneurs from various sectors (web technology, culinary, retail, etc.). In that regard, we’d aim to create a community space that would act to foster the entrepreneurial spirit and provide the resources to help each venture succeed. Sponsors can provide computer software or hardware for use by ventures; Universities can provide research space, equipment or star pupils. Gangplank, a Phenoix, Az business, can stand for a slight model of how this venture would be run. Admission is free for individuals. However, one can provide expertise and effort toward the completion of several local government projects. Also, participating sponsors (Microsoft, Universities, Nonprofits), whose donations keep the venture alive, can request input or expertise for ongoing projects. The goal for this venture is to ensure hungry people in DC are meeting each other, working together and creating solutions to the world’s problems. This model will create businesses; it will bring together people with likeminded interests and aspirations, and it help build out the entrepreneurial infrastructure of DC quickly.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-24T21:18:51-08:00

Ricky said:

Great idea. Great person to implement it.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-24T20:40:36-08:00

mrminjares said:

There were so many times when I just needed a good place to meet with colleagues. After you've been to Cosi dozens of time, you realize you just need a quiet place with a lot of space to think and work.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-24T20:39:53-08:00

Anonymous said:

Very true... great idea!!!

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-24T19:50:51-08:00

Crystal said:

Great idea!

DeFer U [updated]

2012-01-24T19:45:05-08:00

To create a vibrant startup economy in the DC region, we need to make entrepreneurship an elite, cool path in life. We also need to give our kids the practical skills necessary to succeed on their own. Our proposal is to create Defer U, a competitive and selective "Talent Incubator" where young high potential teenagers can come and work on solving some of our nations’ biggest issues: Education, HealthCare, Government Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability. These individuals would defer their first year of college to come and be part of the incubator. They would work in a collaborative environment forming teams and developing business ideas into businesses. They would have access to mentors from different fields, government leaders, and local universities. Defer U would cover the cost of the program and would take a small equity stake in all the "companies". The goal would be to develop 3-5 viable disruptive business models for every program year while developing a new generation of entrepreneurial talent. The program could also expand to younger students for the summer months. DC would become a hub of great, young, entrepreneurial energy as well as a national leader in new models for entrepreneurial education.

David Bain said:

Nice job, Will & Evan! We've got lots of aspiring teen STEMpreneurs / STEAMpreneurs who would eat this up!

DeFer U [updated]

2012-01-24T16:51:43-08:00

Alex Sands said:

As a high school teenager, this sounds like a fantastic idea!

If at first you don't succeed - Managing fear in the startup effort. [updated]

2012-01-24T14:40:27-08:00

Starting a company is an emotional roller coaster ride, ups and downs; all of the emotions to be encountered at one time or another. But fear may be the most important of them all. I brief primer on fear and the entrepreneur....

Glen Hellman said:

Write a comment...

If at first you don't succeed - Managing fear in the startup effort. [updated]

2012-01-24T13:37:31-08:00

valerie Gaydos said:

Doug has the unique capacity to link things together and provide valuable insight. But even more, as a person who has done it before, can provide exceptional motivational words to any start up.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-24T13:30:48-08:00

Daniel Olson said:

This is a great idea. Experience (and research) shows that serendipitous interactions can be pivotal in the genesis and commercialization of an idea. DC's entrepreneurial community is spread out across the District, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Centralized space in the District could help unite these communities in important ways.

Efficient Startups: Properly Matching Need w/ Supply

2012-01-24T13:26:41-08:00

John Marlow suggested:
Any DC-oriented start-up initiative would miss a huge opportunity by not directly addressing the government as a customer and an investor. A common problem with start-ups that fail is that they do not efficiently address a need (typically burning a lot of resources in the process). Failed start-ups and the US government have something in common in this respect. Efficiently making best use of our resources requires a proper alignment of motivations, assets, and goals. “Efficient Startups” proposes to use the supply of fledgling entrepreneurs and match them with real needs which the government has already offered financing to help fix. Unlike start-ups in any other US city, DC entrepreneurs are uniquely suited to gain local, direct access to pertinent thoughts and people on the scene. The key to this proposed community is transparency of mission and execution. The power of this initiative comes not just from the pairing of workers to projects, but rather in the pairing of motivations to a worthy cause. By using an open-sourced format, the instantly appreciable incentive includes the satisfaction of contributing to the community and receive attribution for their work. If an individual makes notable contributions they will benefit not only from the learning experience but also establish themselves as a proven asset and candidate for other projects. Some contributions that are given to the community will serve its own purpose; groups who are lobbying or have lobbied for certain types of government programs will eagerly share their ideas, plans, and info on funding programs for the issue of their concern. The community will build upon itself as ideas and opportunities are shared, similar to the spirit and fashion of LinkedIn’s "Answers" format. Problem solving addressing a start-up will be aired in the open where all can learn from it. Because we all have an interest in making the government more efficient in serving us, only good can come from a successful execution of the ultimate business plan. Furthermore, until the government stops issuing grants, there will be no shortage of contracts that can be taken on. A system will have to be developed which allows a group to “win” the opportunity to spearhead a business plan prior to opening it up to contributions from the community, but beyond that this system is no different than many successful idea sharing websites out there. Open-sourced communities like Drupal and Wordpress have made the impossible possible for small businesses to break through glass ceilings, it is now time that we apply that same proven meme to serve a powerful need.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-24T12:56:35-08:00

Marck Vaisman said:

As a meetup organizer for the DC R group and Data Science DC I must say that this would be a much needed resource for the community. We've been relying on meeting space and sponsorship from gracious local companies. We really need a space dedicated to the congregation of the tech/entrepreneurial community that is open and of minimal cost, if any, to the different groups.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups [updated]

2012-01-24T12:32:49-08:00

Anonymous said:

This is a great idea. The DC/VA/MD community would particularly benefit from this given how bad the traffic can be. Somewhere near the Metro Center or Chinatown metro stops would be great.

Centralized, high-quality location for Tech/Entrepreneurship meetups

2012-01-24T10:05:06-08:00

Robert Vesco suggested:
Bringing highly motivated people together and providing them a space to interact is one important precursor to entrepreneurship. The number one challenge tech/entrepreneurship meetups have is finding a "good" location. A good location would be one that is central (DC as opposed to VA/MD) and one that provides both size and facilities for high-quality presentations. In short: facilitating collaboration -> greater opportunities for entrepreneurship. My presentation would talk (1) about meetup statistics/trends across major cities in the areas of tech/entrepreneurship (2) the importance of collaboration in facilitating entrepreneurship.

TechCapitol

2012-01-24T09:52:38-08:00

Archana Jaiswal suggested:
While most established and emerging tech centers such as Silicon Valley, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Denver, have incubators and programs that nurture young entrepreneurs, the DC region can have a real edge by tapping into its natural resource: professional women looking to make the crossover to the entrepreneurial world. In particular, the U Street corridor and Tysons Corner stand out as fertile ground for startups. The DC region already has a sustainable environment but it is too fragmented to nurture entrepreneurs. DC can realize its full potential as a Tech Capitol once there is a confluence of its many formidable orbits (political, corporate, media, educational and non-profit) and a commitment to that vision.

ResumeSight [updated]

2012-01-24T09:37:52-08:00

BT said:

I don't see how this ties in with the entrepreneurial theme of this project.

The National Piggy Bank

2012-01-24T09:13:55-08:00

Mark Drapeau suggested:
The single largest industry in the DC region is government. Government desperately needs innovative solutions to serve citizens better while reducing costs. Meanwhile, the need for the DC region to expand its vibrant startup economy only becomes more urgent as government budget cuts eliminate traditional government jobs across the region. The National Piggy Bank will be a key bridge in this transition from government contracting jobs to government innovation jobs. The National Piggy Bank is a social platform for organizing, discussing, and realizing scientific, technological, and innovative ideas for public good. Startups are involved at three levels. One, the Piggy Bank has partners with growing startups to build the site and provide benefits to the community of users. Two, community entrepreneurs are participating in conversations on the site and determining the value of ideas. Three, beneficiary startups receive funding or other benefits as part of an "exit strategy" for their good ideas. In sum, the National Piggy Bank will generate shared value for its founders and partners, the startup community at large, and citizens across America. You can see the beta site at http://nationalpiggybank.org.

If at first you don't succeed - Managing fear in the startup effort. [updated]

2012-01-24T09:11:01-08:00

linda kaserman said:

The man knows the pros, cons, ups and downs and loves to teach about. He's come out great, but he's humble and he has ethics. something missing these days.

creating a DC based pool of value add independent directors to help DC based start -ups succeed

2012-01-24T08:38:10-08:00

Hal Shear suggested:
Start-ups often fail because they do not have access to advisors/directors who can help them pass through the shoals of early stage development. The DC aera has many well qualified individuals who could help. I'd like to lead an effort to create such a director pool and a system for matching them with early stage ventures

If at first you don't succeed - Managing fear in the startup effort. [updated]

2012-01-24T08:36:53-08:00

Kevin Trainor said:

He's been there and done that. Listen to the man.

If at first you don't succeed - Managing fear in the startup effort. [updated]

2012-01-24T08:20:41-08:00

Justin newton said:

Doug is a knowledgable startup veteran as well as entertaining speaker. You will likely spend much of this talk laughing, and at the edge of your seat, but you also will have left the session with incredibly valuable information.

If at first you don't succeed - Managing fear in the startup effort.

2012-01-24T06:36:39-08:00

Doug Humphrey suggested:
Starting a company is an emotional roller coaster ride, ups and downs; all of the emotions to be encountered at one time or another. But fear may be the most important of them all. I brief primer on fear and the entrepreneur....

CoFounder Matching

2012-01-23T14:50:31-08:00

feedback suggested:
CoFoundersLab is focused on the DC region to provide free Meetups and an online matching site to help entrepreneurs find potential co-founders. Often one of the toughest obstacles in to launching a startup is finding co-founders who can keep you motivated and round your your skills.

Reverse Pitch Program

2012-01-23T14:04:29-08:00

an anonymous user suggested:
The concept of a reverse pitch program was born from conversations with local media companies that have capabilities needs but no internal development resources. The idea is that companies would pitch needs they have budgeted to a room full of startups/entrepreneurs and allow the audience to submit their capabilities to the companies. This turns the RFP process upside down and allows startups and entrepreneurs to get real dollars flowing into their business. Every company I've discussed this program with has been excited and willing to participate.

ResumeSight [updated]

2012-01-22T21:17:07-08:00

Glen Hellman said:

Chris, is this an idea to help the region or is this going to be a company pitch for your company?

Chris Won, GWSB MBA '07, will soon launch a unique venture that has the potential to revolutionize the way companies hire. Different from companies specializing in background checks and other forms of validation services, ResumeSight empowers the end-user in a very simple and efficient manner, promoting best practices and leveraging networks.

http://alumni.gwu.edu/news/2010_08/classnotes.html

http://www.linkedin.com/in/resumesight

Growth of the Hispanic Small Business Community and ways to facilitate its growth [updated]

2012-01-22T20:43:47-08:00

The Hispanic small business community is growing at a rate of 2-3 times the small business community in general. This presentation would cover the data and initial ideas on how we as a community could support this important organic trend.

Sondra Ahlén said:

You have my vote Carla. I looked at the headlines of the other suggested presentations and yours is top on my list. Thanks for speaking for the small business Hispanic community!

Growth of the Hispanic Small Business Community and ways to facilitate its growth [updated]

2012-01-22T19:57:13-08:00

Natasha Pongonis said:

Very good initiative, got my vote.

Growth of the Hispanic Small Business Community and ways to facilitate its growth [updated]

2012-01-22T19:41:14-08:00

Gustavo Razzetti said:

Great Idea! You've got my vote.

Growth of the Hispanic Small Business Community and ways to facilitate its growth [updated]

2012-01-22T19:08:00-08:00

Julie Diaz-Asper said:

great idea! got my vote!

Occupy Startup Success: The Need for Coordinated Action [updated]

2012-01-22T15:38:29-08:00

Why were social media led revolutions so effective in the middle east and the Occupy Movement has not gained the same kind of Traction? There was an easy identified face of evil and the enemy: Ghadafi, Mobarek, Assad. DC has great momentum as a startup region, let's identify and put a face on the issues that are holding us back, threatening us, and let's unleash the tools that have toppled dictators to create a coordinated movement to get past these hurdles. Coordination Action on Engaging: • Venture Capital Firms • Angel Investors • Large Corporate Partners • Local Startup Celebrities • Government • Universities • Service Providers

Edwin Miller said:

Looks strong! The People know. Social allows participation.

DeFer U [updated]

2012-01-22T07:00:15-08:00

Katie L said:

Very good idea ...that will most likely lead to many huge successes.

Its the doing that's important

2012-01-21T20:22:25-08:00

John Cutonilli suggested:
The focus on doing facilitates an iterative method of problem solving, which is a proven method for growth. It implements the doing through collaborative consumption and open innovation. Collaborative consumption (shared resources) creates a more social environment where various ideas can be prototyped and combined with others (including universities, and public and private entities) to create better solutions. The open innovation (crowdsourcing) side creates problem solving opportunities to form new businesses. I would also like to present information on why creating high growth companies are so difficult and why more moderate growth rates actually improve the sustainability and likelihood of success.