SILICON VALLEY FORUM PRESENTS
Silicon Valley Start-UP
Student Entrepreneurship Program
3-14 JUNE , 2019 | SILICON VALLEY
#SVSUP19
Now accepting late-stage applications – apply by February 15th March 20th!
About Silicon Valley Start-UP
Build a company in just two weeks—the Silicon Valley way! In this intensive startup program, you’ll build a startup from scratch with help from Silicon Valley experts, including investors, VCs, entrepreneurs, company leaders, and more. The program culminates with a pitch night, where you’ll show off your product to a panel of expert judges in front of a live audience.
During this program, you will:
- Meet and work with like-minded entrepreneurs
- Build a complete, ready-to-pitch company in just two weeks
- Learn from mentors and executives from world-renowned companies
- Visit top startup hubs, speak with founders, and gain knowledge and practical insights
- Form lasting global connections through our multi-cultural, team-based work environment
How it Works
After a sixty-second pitch session with program participants, the Top Ten startup ideas will be selected by a group vote. You’ll organize into teams, match up with your favorite company, and get started building something amazing!
You don’t have to have a startup idea to apply for UP – this program is designed to give you a crash-course in Silicon Valley entrepreneurial life, with connections, access, and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. This program is open to university students and beginning entrepreneurs from any country. If your application is selected, you are responsible for the program fee (USD $4850).
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, so don’t wait to send yours in!
Early Applications due by: December 16th, 2018
Regular Applications due by: January 31st, 2019
Late Applications due by: March 20th, 2019
Speakers and Mentors
Debra Brackeen Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, CSAA Insurance Group
Debra has more than 25 years of leadership at innovative high-tech companies, including Apple, Sun, and eBay. Her experience in business development and strategy is enhanced by connections to the VC and startup communities in Silicon Valley.
Jitendra Kavathekar CEO & Managing Partner, Digital Sapience
Jitendra is a globally credentialed senior executive of companies from Fortune 500 to trail blazing startups as entrepreneur and business operator. He is an active investor and advisor to VC/PE fund.
Purnima Kochikar Director, Google Play, Apps and Games
Purnima has over 20 years of experience leading application development, marketing and technical-engineering management for startups and leading mobile companies.
Steve Goldberg Operating Partner, Venrock
Operating Partner, Venrock
Leo Bley Director, PwC
Leo develops PwC businesses, investments and opportunities with the venture ecosystem. He also advises investors, entrepreneurs and enterprises on innovation and disruptive opportunities.
Deborah Magid Dir. Software Strategy, IBM Venture Capital Group
Deborah Magid represents IBM’s $25 B software business in the company’s Venture Capital Group. Her expertise spans several industries, and she brings insight from the venture community to the development of IBM’s growth strategies.
Denyse Cardozo CEO, Silicon Valley Forum
Denyse drives the goals and strategy for Silicon Valley Forum, with continued growth into international markets and innovation. She has coached hundreds of startups through the SVF pitch nights and programs.
Chris Yeh General Partner, Wasabi Ventures Global
Chris has been building Internet businesses since 1995. He is a General Partner at Wasabi Ventures, a global venture fund, startup incubator, and consulting firm. Chris is an active angel investor and startup advisor.
Tomasz Kolodziejak Technology Strategy, Samsung
Tomasz has years of experience in business development, sales and partnerships at an early stage and mid-size startup, as well as B2B sales and partnerships experience with big hotel brands, major airlines, big public/private universities.
Kevin Surace CEO, Appvance.ai
Kevin Surace is a technology innovator, speaker and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Appvance, and was Inc. Magazine’s 2009 entrepreneur of the Year. Kevin has been recognized multiple times as an innovator and a technology pioneer.
Michael Torosian Partner, Pillsbury Law
Mike guides emerging companies at all stages. He represents private companies, publicly traded companies, VC firms and investment banks in the high tech, renewable energy & life sciences industries.
Tom Kosnik Partner, FoundersX Ventures
Partner at FoundersX Ventures, a VC firm focused on ventures using AI to disrupt different industries. Tom's target vertical markets are Creative Industries (publishing, media, movies, music, fashion etc.) and Fintech. He is a Co-author (2014) of Gear Up: Test Your Business Model Potential and Plan your Path to Success. He Co-Founded GELI which helps Gen Z entrepreneurs, He has been an Adjunct Professor at Stanford Department of MS&E from 1990-2018, He was an Assistant Professor at Harvard Business School from 1985-89, and launched HBS’s Entrepreneurial Marketing course in 1995-97.
Curriculum
View the curriculum of the program (exact class schedule TBA)
Curriculum:
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN—WEEK ONE:
- Workshop: Silicon Valley’s Startup Ecosystem
- Workshop: Building a Business Plan
- Workshop: Market Research and Product Validation
- Workshop: Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Seminar: Business Communications and Cultural Communications
- Seminar: Finance 101 and Startup Fundraising
- Mentorship sessions: Business Development, Marketing, and Growth
- Networking Session with Startup Founders
- Two tech company visits: digital transformation and innovation strategy with company leaders
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN—WEEK TWO:
- Seminar: Digital Marketing Trends
- Seminar: Design Thinking
- Workshop: How to Pitch to Silicon Valley Investors
- Workshop: Business Development and Sales
- Speaker Session on Emerging Technology
- Startup Pitch Practice: How to pitch and talk to a VC
- Mentorship Session for Startups: Networking and Building Bridges
- Two tech company visits: digital transformation and innovation strategy with company leaders
- Preparation for final pitch presentation—how to pitch onstage to Silicon Valley investors
PAST STUDENT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS!
Companies We Work With
Organized By
Supporting Partners
Program Ambassadors
