Everyone Wins at Venture Madness

On March 5-7, 234 investors, inventors and startup fans converged on Talking Stick Resort for the inaugural Venture Madness Conference. They watched the final 16 live pitch before panels of judges, as the competitors were narrowed to eight,…

Fundraising Tips for Early Stage Startups

Infusionsoft Co-Founder Clate Mask calls himself a bootstrapping evangelist. “When I was in business school, we learned the ‘MBA way’ to grow a business,” he says. “You write a business plan, raise some money and then roll it out.…

Who Is The Typical Entrepreneur?

What state has the highest number of entrepreneurs per capita? It’s not what you think. It’s probably not your second guess either. Do more entrepreneurs have bachelor degrees, master degrees or no degree at all? What area of innovation…

Networking Tips For Shy Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are perceived as go-getters with great ideas. What if you’re someone with a cool idea who feels a bit awkward socially? You know that networking is essential to grow your new venture, yet you shy away from networking opportunities…

Things To Do In Scottsdale During Venture Madness

Whether you're a local resident or an out-of-towner attending the 2014 Venture Madness Conference in March, you will experience Scottsdale at its best time of year. The weather is perfect - highs in the high 70s and nighttime lows in the mid…

Expert Q&A: Startup Financing

Albert Martinez, leader of the relationship management team at Silicon Valley Bank, provides solid advice to entrepreneurs looking to raise capital: What is your role at Silicon Valley Bank? I primarily work with early and mid-stage software…

Bring On The Brackets

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The Venture Madness judges have deliberated and the verdict is in. It was no easy decision to select 64 finalists from the field of 119, as the quality of all applications was impressive. This is a true testament to the vibrant startup scene…

Madness, indeed.

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Venture Madness is already living up to its name, with nearly 120 startups from five states across 26 different industries applying to compete in the inaugural event. Only 64 ventures will make the cut to be seeded in the first bracket, which…

Will the JOBS Act Ease Access to Capital?

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The year 2014 could be The Year of the Startup. The SEC is poised to enact Title III of the JOBS Act, which would ease equity-based crowdfunding and loosen restrictions on the way businesses may solicit funds from investors. Arizona attorneys…

Tools for Creating and Editing Video Pitches

Your startup pitch video for Venture Madness 2014 does not have to be a professionally filmed production. In fact, the more genuine it is, the better chance voters will recognize you as the fledgling startup that you are. Skip the fancy stuff.…