Think Big Radio 019: Think Big Accelerator
Listen to Think Big Radio as Herb Sih dives into what Think Big Accelerator is all about.
Think Big Partners has made quite a few announcements in 2012. From The Gigabit Challenge to the launch of Think Big Ventures, TBP seems to be moving at the speed of light (and as one of the members of the team, I can confirm this!).
But one of our most exciting announcements was just leaked this morning--the launch of our first accelerator class. Now introducing the Think Big Accelerator.
The Think Big Accelerator is a 14-week program that will aid tech-focused, early-stage startups and
entrepreneurs in launching a business faster, stronger and smarter this September.
With a team made up of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and
founders of startup companies, Think Big Partners’ accelerator program combines
lessons and observations from other successful programs across the nation to
create a model that allows experienced and budding entrepreneurs to build new
startups. Think Big Accelerator sets
itself apart, however, by allowing these entrepreneurs to maintain life outside
of their businesses while participating in the program.
“We have studied, observed and finally created our own
accelerator model that we think will work better for entrepreneurs who want to
remain dedicated to their families and other obligations while still
participating in the program,” says Herb Sih, co-founder and managing partner
of TBP.
In order to facilitate this idea, the first class of Think
Big Accelerator allows entrepreneurs to arrive ready to work on Monday and
leave on Thursday night during the 14-week program. This model will let traveling entrepreneurs return
home on the weekends to spend time with family and manage other
responsibilities.
“We have studied what can be done in a short period of time
in the startup world,” says Tyler Prochnow, co-founder and senior partner at
Think Big Partners. “After studying the
success that startups have in sprint programs like Startup Weekend, Startup Bus and hackathons, we
created Think Big Accelerator’s model for the fast-paced, highly-focused
entrepreneur.”
“We are amazed at what can be done in a short amount of
time,” says Herb. “With important
milestones and deadlines in place, we believe that the entrepreneur
participating in Think Big Accelerator will be able to maintain a work-life
balance and recognize the opportunity to reenergize, refresh, refocus and
reflect at the end of each week by connecting with family when returning home. It’s a contrary belief, but we think that
stepping away from a business actually allows entrepreneurs to work smarter,
faster.”
Entrepreneurs accepted into the program will receive what
Herb refers to as “rockstar treatment” while building their businesses in Kansas
City. Think Big Accelerator has
assembled the ingredients for participating entrepreneurs to come to Kansas
City and work on their businesses comfortably.
The accelerator will provide custom-tailored key elements for the
entrepreneur such as real estate, essential service providers, dry-cleaning, restaurant
specials, living arrangements, technology, office space and more. Kansas City businesses interested in
providing discounted services for Think Big Accelerator entrepreneurs are
encouraged to contact Think Big Partners at (816) 842-5244.
In addition, those accepted into the accelerator program
will partake in field trips to many Kansas City locations for inspiration,
education, collaboration and ideation.
Think Big Accelerator is looking for five to ten technology-based
startups (especially businesses with a focus in consumer-facing services,
software, web services, apps, etc.) to participate in the program. Entrepreneurs will participate in the 14-week
program Monday-Thursday with the goal of building a successful startup and finally
pitching to investors at the end of the program on two separate demo days—one traditional,
and one utilizing a state-of-the-art technology.
The application window for Think Big Accelerator will be
open June 15, 2012 until August 10, 2012.
Think Big Partners’ first class will start on September 10, 2012 and
finish up with graduation and demo days during the week of December 10,
2012.
Think Big Accelerator will take 6-8% equity in participating
companies with an $18,000-$24,000 investment.
Additionally, there will be an alternative track for those who are not
interested in funding but would like to participate in the program.
To learn more about Think Big Accelerator, please visit www.thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator.
Follow Think Big! @thinkbigKC
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