After a successful run in Elko in September, the grassroots business-launching event Startup Weekend is headed to Reno.
Startup Weekend, which seeks to pair local entrepreneurs, potential business startup owners, developers and designers with mentors and other resources, will be held Feb. 22 through 24 at to site yet to be determined.
The goal of the event, organizers say, is to collaborate on ideas, form teams and launch new businesses.
Walt Borland, president and chief executive of the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization, says his organization teamed with Startup Weekend to bring the event to Reno after the success of the event in Elko.
"Northern Nevada has a lot of talented entrepreneurs, and this fast-paced startup proving-ground will help to propel them to action," Borland says. "It's exciting to see the dynamics when we bring together entrepreneurs, mentors and supporters. Startup Weekends are full of energy and creativity all focused around a model of 'build and test as-you-go.'"
On the opening night of the event, attendees pitch ideas in 60 seconds or less, and teams spend the remainder of the weekend formulating and strengthening the most popular ideas with the help of mentors and veteran startup entrepreneurs.
Groups spend as much as 54 hours creating business models, as well as coding, designing and defining product markets. Startup Weekend culminates with presentations in front of bankers, venture capitalists and marketing and sales experts.
Software developers, designers and people with strong business skills can sign up for Startup Weekend at swreno.org.
To sponsor, mentor or help organize the event contact the organizers on Twitter @SWReno or by email at reno@startupweekend.org.
