The 2nd most frequently asked question I get at TechStars is: I have a great idea but I really need a co-founder. Know where I can find one? Finding a co-founder is like finding a spouse, and your relationship with your co-founder will likely be as complex as the one with your significant other. Enter …
Category: On Entrepreneurs
Women Founders
Massive congratulations to Erika Trautman of FlixMaster & Caren Maio of Nestio for making the Inc. Magazine's Top 15 Women to Watch in Tech. I've worked with them both at TechStars and am happy to say they both deserve to be there. There aren't a lot of women in tech, especially founders. These two women …
An interview with TechCocktail
Back in March at SXSW, I had the pleasure of an interview with Frank Gruber of TechCocktail. It's always fun to talk with him, especially when we chat about my favorite topic, entrepreneurship. In a little shameless self-promotion, watch the video here! And Frank - looking forward to seeing you again at SXSW 2012... …
For you local ladies in tech
My old (uh, meaning longtime, not age) friend Su Hawk has really transformed the local tech association called Colorado Technology Association. It's grown rapidly over the last few years and I'm impressed with what she's done with it. They have a group called Women In Technology, and its having throwing its’ first ever holiday and benefit …
Analysis Paralysis
I spent some time talking to my friend Rich Grote, a local entrepreneur, at TechCocktail in Boulder last night. He mentioned that they're struggling with pricing options, something that all entrepreneurs struggle with at some point in their lives. He started throwing out a bunch of ideas and my head began to swim. I thought …
TechStars on TV
For those that haven't followed along yet, TechStars partnered with Bloomberg to launch a documentary on what it's like to be a founder going through the TechStars program. The show was filmed in NYC (no, I'm not in it) and offers a glimpse of startup life in the program. The show airs weekly on Tuesdays …
My perfect application video
I've been looking at TechStars applications basically nonstop for the last couple of days. I thought I would put together some tips on my dream application video for teams that are still applying - since I know how much effort everyone puts into these! 1. SHORT. < 2 minutes short. Maybe go for 3 minutes, …
Read my chapter in “Do More Faster”
I've been working with entrepreneurs for nearly a decade now - and most recently through my role as Managing Director for the Boulder office of TechStars. Its a role I love dearly - there hasn't been a day since I started that I didn't want to go in to the office. TechStars has a mantra …
Tips for Applying to TechStars
Given that TechStars in Seattle application deadline is looming (June 1 - get 'em in!), I'm reminded of the challenge of reviewing so many great applications in such a short period of time. I thought I might throw out some tips to applicants from my perspective (in having to review nearly 700 applications for 10 …
Someone save me from Intuit, PLEASE
I hate Intuit. I think they're products and business philosophy sucks so badly that I'm in support of ANY startup wiling to take them on. And yes, hate is a strong word, but here's why: On April 30th, my version of Quicken (2007) stops working. I'm FORCED to upgrade. REALLY? FORCED? Who does this? I …
Nearly Nicole 