Deadline Approaching: Think Big Accelerator Application Window Closes December 6th

The application window for the next class of Think Big Accelerator companies will close on December 6th 2013. As our search for entrepreneurs with passion for taking big ideas and turning them into profitable and scalable companies continues, I sat down with Accelerator Director Blake Miller who addresses some of the most commonly asked questions of potential applicants.

• Should entrepreneurs wait until closer to the deadline to the December 6th deadline to submit their ideas in hopes of improving their chances?

“I definitely encourage entrepreneurs first and foremost to apply when they believe they are ready to build and or grow their business. With that said, we've been evaluating applications and arranging first interviews with founding teams as applications have come in."

• What do you tell entrepreneurs who are apprehensive of signing up based on the stage of development they're at?

“We encourage entrepreneurs to have a product they have launched or can launch within the next 180 days. We provide the most value when bringing products to market or developing a strategy to do so. We have had great success in helping refine a company’s product-market fit beyond a first prototype, getting a first marquee or name brand customer, helping new apps achieve their first 50,000 downloads or propelling a company towards their first 100k in revenue.”

• What is Think Big's view on submitting multiple ideas?

“We believe at this stage in a business life cycle the founders should be most passionate about building one business. Although we recognize that there are outliers, we've found that the best businesses are built with focus and passion. Founders should also have a very firm grasp on the problem that they are solving, and the solution they are creating. Having domain expertise is invaluable and often the difference between a good idea that has no market, and a great idea that has 10 customers ready to buy the day you launch.”

• Should entrepreneurs only submit ideas that they think "fit" Think Big Partners? 

“There are definitely businesses that we provide more value in than others. If you have a question as to whether we may be a fit, please email or tweet us! We especially like AgTech, Financial Technology, Consumer Technology, Process Technology and Health Care Technology. We also have a strong background in building apps and mobile platforms.”

If you have a big idea that is ready to launch and grow, we want to meet you. The application window for the next Think Big Accelerator closes on December 6th, 2013. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to learn more about the Think Big Accelerator model by contacting us via email or visiting thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator.

Are you ready to take the next step in growing your startup? If so apply for the Think Big Accelerator before it’s too late.

Think Big Accelerator in partnership with Microsoft Ventures

You may already know about Microsoft Ventures which currently has accelerator locations in Tel Aviv, Bangalore and Beijing (and is opening several more soon).  But you may not know that Microsoft Ventures is partnering with a selected few established U.S. accelerators to provide immersive programs, mentoring, technical guidance and connections.  One of those selected few accelerators is Think Big Accelerator.

Think Big Accelerator in partnership with Microsoft Ventures will be one of only a few partnerships of its kind in the United States.  Microsoft Ventures will act as a strategic partner for promising startups in the Think Big Accelerator program focused on business growth, customer development, industrial strength technology and beautiful usable products. 

According to Cliff Reeves, who leads the Microsoft Ventures Community team, “Entrepreneurism is a local phenomenon everywhere, and Think Big Partners represents the best of KC as well as startup reach nationally and globally.  We’re very pleased to be working with them to find and support great startups.”

The partnership between Think Big Accelerator and Microsoft Ventures will provide accelerator companies access to even more mentors, resources and connections.  As Microsoft Ventures is a corporate run partnership with the intent to engage and support a select few independent accelerators per geo, the local Microsoft field office will play an active role in day-to-day support and mentorship of Think Big Partners’ startups as part of this partnership. While the Microsoft BizSpark program will be providing software, support and visibility to the startups, Microsoft Ventures will be providing additional resources through this limited partnership to better enable the startups success on the Microsoft platform while they develop their business as a whole. Along with providing consistent access to Microsoft technical resources and devices, startups engaged in the Think Big Accelerator will have the opportunity to qualify for additional benefits via the BizSpark Plus program where startups qualify for a rich set of offers including Office 365 and Azure.

"We at Think Big Partners are very excited to grow what has already been a great learning relationship with Microsoft,” says Blake Miller, Director of Think Big Accelerator.  “The resources that Microsoft adds to our checklist-oriented process will help us get entrepreneurs from idea to first customer faster and even more efficiently."

If you are interested in joining what is sure to be one of the strongest accelerator partnerships in the country, we encourage you to apply for the Think Big Accelerator program.  Think Big Accelerator typically invests between $18,000-$50,000.  Upon acceptance into the program, you will instantly have access to the benefits and connections that Microsoft brings to the startup world.  To learn more or apply to Think Big Accelerator, click here.

Next Think Big Accelerator Registration Window Opens Sept. 16

With the first Think Big Demo Day in the books, it’s now time to start looking for the next class of entrepreneurs ready build exceptional companies in the Think Big Accelerator. We’re looking for entrepreneurs who have the gusto to take a big idea and turn it into profitable company.   

If you think you have what it takes, we want to meet you. The application window for the next Think Big Accelerator opened on September 16, 2013. Interested parties can learn more about the Think Big Accelerator model by contacting us via email or visiting thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator. We’re excited to see what big ideas come out of our next class and what companies join the ranks of past successes.

Do you have what it takes? Apply for the Think Big Accelerator today!

Think Big Demo Day Fosters Collisions, Unites Entrepreneurs and Investors

Just two simple words have the ability to make investors turn their heads and make entrepreneurs’ palms sweat: Demo day.  Demo day is the opportunity for startups to get in front of angel investors and venture capitalists and pitch their ideas with the hopes of getting funded, or at the very minimum, making strong connections.

Think Big hosted its very first Demo Day on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Think Big Partners loft.  You could feel the energy and passion of each entrepreneur as they stood solo on the Demo Day stage in front of 85+ investors, community leaders and startup enthusiasts.  And although each 8-minute pitch seemed simple and comfortable enough, what the audience may not have realized is that many of these entrepreneurs had been practicing for weeks to deliver the perfect pitch--after all, that’s what it takes to get funded.

For the eight presenting entrepreneurs, Think Big Demo Day didn’t just take place on August 28.  The journey toward Demo Day started when they decided to turn their idea into a business.  From there, the entrepreneurs built, grew and launched a new startup right here in Kansas City.  Four of the presenting startups went through the Think Big Accelerator program.  Many utilized the benefits of Think Big Coworking space.  And all were consulted and mentored by Think Big Partners along their startup journey toward Demo Day.

Think Big Demo Day began with a 45 minute networking luncheon and an opportunity for entrepreneurs, startups, community leaders and investors to get acquainted with one another.  After lunch, the audience warmed up with energetic opening remarks from Think Big Co-founder and Managing Partner, Herb Sih and a quick 10-minute tour of Think Big Coworking.  

By 1:00PM, it was time for the pitches.  Polished presentations from Nathan Benjamin (InvenQuery), Jeb Ory (Phone2Action), Parker Hills (Keyzio) and Jeff Alholm (CandyCam) were followed by Q&A sessions from the audience and were then followed by explosive applause.

After a short break, it was Group 2’s chance to pitch.  Many audience members frivolously jotted down notes as Scott Tibbits (Katasi), Connor Sweeney (WeeJay), Bryan Richard (Fully) and Pierre Barbeau (Moblico) presented their startup concepts to the crowd.  Once again, the room burst into applause after each and every pitch.

By the time Pierre Barbeau stepped down from the stage, the audience was still fully energized and geared up to get some face time with the presenters.  Lucky for them, Think Big Demo Day wasn’t over.  The chance for investors to entrepreneurs to connect was just beginning.  Many decided to stay at Think Big to meet one-on-one with each other while others moved the event down the street to Snow & Company for frozen cocktails, power networking and further beneficial connections. 

Although the ultimate goal of Demo Day was to connect entrepreneurs with investors and funding, another goal rose from the gathering of so many passionate and energetic people: an increased number of collisions.  As mentioned by Herb Sih during opening remarks, the reason that companies get funded and that more jobs are created is because of increased collision density.  The term “collision density” is the level of collisions made between entrepreneurs, investors and connectors in a single area.  The higher an area’s collision density is, the more quickly and efficiently innovative development can occur.  Increased collision density was just another much anticipated outcome of Think Big Demo Day.

 

Think Big Partners would like to thank all attendees and presenters, as well as the partners of the Think Big Accelerator who help address the needs of the startup companies: The City of Kansas City, Missouri; Microsoft BizSpark, Twilio, SendGrind.  And a special thank you to all mentors and resident advisor, Dr. Julie Edge.

The next round of Think Big Accelerator applications open September 16, 2013.  For more information, please visit www.thinkbigpartners.com or call 816-842-5244.  

Accelerator Companies to Pitch at Think Big Demo Day August 28

We are excited to announce that Think Big Partners will host its first accelerator Demo Day on August 28, 2013 for our Think Big Accelerator companies as well as other Midwestern startups from the Silicon Prairie area. 

The mission of our first Demo Day is to connect area investors, venture capitalists and other supporters to the startups and innovations that are successfully building in and around the Kansas City area.  Demo Day is one of the last milestones that the selected startups will cross in order to raise capital and build support in the community.

Think Big Accelerator companies that will be pitching at Demo Day include:

• Fully:  Fully is a kiosk-based mobile phone charging station that provides digital out-of-home targeted advertising to the consumer.  
• Kahootz: Kahootz is a consumer-focused online calendar platform that provides users with easier ways to combine, share and manage all obligations and profiles on one easy-to-maintain social-based platform.
• Keyzio: Keyzio is a consumer-driven marketplace that connects people and helps them find, buy and sell real estate.
• Phone2Action: Phone2Action makes a digital take action advocacy platform to power organizations and individuals to make change happen. 
• WeeJay:  Weejay is a rewards-based social jukebox for bars, restaurants, and other businesses.

Other area startups that will pitch at Demo Day include:

• Katasi:  Katasi provides an effective technological solution to the growing epidemic of texting while driving through partnerships with telecom providers.  
• Moblico:  Moblico's mobile engagement platform uniquely combines cloud based backend services for app developers with content, communication and loyalty management tools for application marketers. 
• PlanetReuse/InvenQuery:  PlanetReuse is a consulting and brokering company focused on matching reclaimed building material with designers, builders and owners. InvenQuery provides technology to help retailers of unique merchandise handle inventory, point-of-sale and ecommerce. 

“As a venture investor, there are increasingly more quality, early-stage investment opportunities that are emerging from the Midwest,” said Pat Doherty, Managing Member of St. Louis-based Saturday Capital.  "I look forward to working more with groups like Think Big Partners, who have helped identify and support growing and innovative companies that are attractive investment opportunities."

Selected startups are invited to attend a two-day “PitchKamp”, hosted and taught by Think Big Partners in order to sharpen their pitches before presenting at Demo Day.  PitchKamp for these startups will take place on August 21 and 22, 2013.

Demo Day will take place on August 28, 2013 as an afternoon lunch program.  Think Big Partners is inviting investors and the media to attend Demo Day by registering here.  Due to a limited number of tickets, it is required to have a code to RSVP for your ticket. Get a code by registering for "Request a Ticket" above or emailing info@thinkbigpartners.com.

To learn more about the Think Big Accelerator program or Demo Day, please contact Think Big Partners at 816-842-5244.  

What Are The Think Big Accelerator Companies Up To?

Things move fast here at Think Big Partners.  From the collaborations in our coworking space to our entrepreneur events, everything seems to be created very quickly.  And for are accelerator companies, the TBP experience is no different.

Each of our accelerator companies have been making big waves in their own respective fields. With so many things going on, it’s hard to keep up with all the accomplishments these entrepreneurs and their fantastic startups are doing.

We’ve compiled a highlight reel of sorts of what the Think Big Partners Accelerator companies are up to.  Take a look: 

Keyzio

Founder Parker Hills and the rest of the Keyzio team are happy to announce they have had their first successful user sale using the Keyzio platform.  Keyzio will also be launching its website that mirrors the same full functionality available on the iPhone app.  This new addition will no doubt increase the already growing user base of Keyzio. Stay abreast on what this great startup is up to by Liking Keyzio on Facebook or following them @KeyzioInc.

TheHub.fm

Head honcho of TheHub.fm Jonathan Block has racked up some miles since March. After joining 50 other entrepreneurs from Missouri bound for SXSW, via bus, for the SXSW Interactive and Music Festivals. TheHub.fm generated a ton of great press most notably, Digital Trends’ list of best apps at SXSW 2013. Following a whirlwind trip in Austin with a brief pit stop in NYC to see The Allman Brothers front row center (being a veteran in the music business has it’s perks), it was on to Toronto, Canada for Canadian Music Week. While there, Jonathan was a featured on a panel for Mobile and Social Media Strategies. After CMW, it was back to NYC for 2 weeks for meetings and networking. All of Jonathan’s hard work is geared toward TheHub.fm’s launch which is poised for summer 2013. 

Phone2Action

At SXSW, Phone2Action competed in the SXSW Interactive Accelerator. After a great pitch by founder Jeb Ory, Phone2Action bested the other seven participants earning a big SXSW win and $4,000. Part of Phone2Action’s victory can also be attributed to its praise from Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Mark Warner (D-VA), who embraced the platform for support of their Startup Act 3.0 legislation. Since gaining momentum at SXSW, Jeb and the rest of the Phone2Action team has been on a roll and recently just returned from CES on the Hill where they were alongside fellow exhibitors Microsoft, Google and others.

Fully

Currently spreading its mantra to “Keep Calm and Power On”, founder Bryan Richard has been traveling all over the nation working on getting Fully’s charging stations into places where people need it most. One of those places in need is AT&T Park, home of the World Series Champion, the San Francisco Giants. It’s only a matter of time until the rest of the country will be Fully charged.

We here at Think Big Partners are excited about what all of our accelerator companies have accomplished. We can’t wait to see what the summer has in store for these driven entrepreneurs and their startups.

Stay up to date with all of our startups and the rest of the Think Big team by following us @ThinkBigKC.

Entrepreneur Corner is Back During First Fridays!

** Editors Note: Entrepreneur Corner on May 3, 2013 has officially been CANCELLED due to weather.  Please stay posted on our blog and Twitter page for more information regarding the next Entrepreneur Corner event.  Thank you for your cooperation! 

Entrepreneur Corner is Back!

First Friday – May 3, 2013

5:30-8:30 pm

Think Big Partners: 1800 Baltimore Ave. Kansas City, MO (Parking lot)

Support artists, entrepreneurs and local restaurants! Start your First Fridays walk at Entrepreneur Corner.

Come see what the companies from the Think Big Accelerator program have been up to and learn how you can support local Kansas City startups!  Have a drink on us and network with KC entrepreneurs and the Think Big team during First Fridays.  

FEATURING:

• Keyzio
• Bodeefit
• WeeJay
• Phone2Action

Stay up to date with more Entrepreneur Corner events as well as any changes or cancellations due to weather on our Facebook group.

*Download the First Friday by the Pitch app (powered by Intev) to stay up to date with activities going on during First Fridays! 

Interested in showcasing at a future Entrepreneur Corner? Contact us! 

Phone2Action Joins Microsoft, Google, AT&T, BlackBerry and Others for CES on the Hill

What does KC startup Phone2Action have in common with Microsoft, Google, AT&T and BlackBerry?  These companies, and many others, are being spotlighted at the nation's capital today as a part of CES on the Hill (produced by the Consumer Electronics Association).

An invitation-only event, CES on the Hill brings together members of Congress, key Hill staff and top media to see first-hand the influence new technologies have in driving some of the most critical, current technology policy debates including intellectual property and conumers' fair use rights, privacy, secure access to health care services, wireless spectrum allocation, e-cycling and safe driving.

New for this year, CES on the Hill includes a dedicated Eureka Park showcase for some of the hottest startups and entrepreneurs in the nation.  Phone2Action, a Think Big Accelerator company, will be spotlighted among other startups such as Aereo, AWARE Technologies, FutureDash, Dock-n-Lock, SubPac and Troop ID.

In addition to startups, CES on the Hill will feature companies that address the most pressing tech policy issues.  These companies include AT&T, BlackBerry, DIRECTV, DISH, Google, Intel Corp, LG, Microsoft, Panasonic, Pandora, Samsung, Verizon and others.

A big congratulations to Phone2Action for being selected to showcase at CES on the Hill today!  We are rooting for you here in Kansas City.

Learn more about Phone2Action: @Phone2Action 

Think Big Accelerator Spotlight: Parker Hills of Keyzio

Almost every entrepreneur will tell you it’s usually not the first venture that works out to be a success. And for Kansas City native and engineer Parker Hills, founder of Keyzio, this statement reigns true. His first venture into the startup world began a few years ago with a small company that developed and deployed algorithmic trading strategies in the US equities markets.  As Parker puts it, “We built a lot of really cool things and learned a ton.  But it got to a point where it wasn't profitable, so it was best to just shut it down.”

Parker Hills,  founder of Keyzio

But when one door closes, another door almost always opens.  And the idea of Parker’s current venture, Keyzio, sparked when he and his wife sold their house but couldn't find a new house that met their desires.

“We were looking in an in-demand area, but weren't finding anything available that met our specs and our budget, and the clock was ticking” says Parker of the problem he faced.  “We had heard stories of house hunters having success dropping letters or knocking on doors simply asking homeowners if they’d be interested in selling their home.  There is a world of hidden sellers out there, but they are tough to find.”

And that was the simple idea that Parker took to Startup Weekend in Kansas City. 

The initial design of Keyzio was to be able to push a button on your phone and let an owner, who isn't necessarily looking to sell at the time but is open to the idea, know you’re interested in purchasing their home.  Since the original idea, Keyzio has grown into a full-fledged business model that connects buyers, sellers, lenders, real estate agents, and other entities that encompass the real estate industry.

Due to his success at Kansas City Startup Weekend (Keyzio earned 2^nd place) and the evolution of Keyzio, Parker decided to apply for the KC-based accelerator program run by Think Big Partners.  He was accepted into the first class. 

“I had met Herb (founding partner of Think Big Partners) in the past and had been following Think Big’s growth,” explains Parker. “When I saw the announcement and launch of the accelerator, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to stop toying around with the idea and see if it actually had legs.”

Currently, Keyzio’s website is live in public beta and its buyer-focused iPhone application just hit the app store (just search Keyzio in the app store).  Although the service is running in a minimal capacity, the startup is constantly iterating on the structure it already has in place.  One of the most interesting aspects of Keyzio is the feature that allows prospective buyers to send a personalized letter to a homeowner to express their interest in a particular home. The feature is currently being tested, but thus far, has yielded very positive results.

As for the future of Keyzio, Parker’s hopes to fulfill the vision of Keyzio’s tagline “Where every house is for sale”, where buyers can easily connect with the entire universe of potential sellers, and sellers can privately test the market before they are ready to publicly list their home.

Parker feels the Think Big Accelerator program has benefited him so far in his journey of building Keyzio.

“The first few weeks were definitely more intense than the last few weeks, but it has really kept us focused on short term priorities and customer validation,” he explains. “Time is extremely valuable right now.  There’s no reason to spend time on something that isn't absolutely critical to validating our business model or staying on schedule to launch early next year.”

Follow Keyzio! @KeyzioInc

Read About our other Accelerator Startups here.

Think Big Accelerator Spotlight: Connor Sweeney of Weejay

Connor Sweeney, founder of Weejay.

A few weeks ago, Weejay, a startup company founded by Connor Sweeney, was accepted into the Think Big Accelerator program.  The startup, which originally was planned to be a mobile jukebox, has pivoted into a marketing platform with a music focus.  And now that the startup, and the entrepreneur behind it, has gone through a few weeks of the Think Big Accelerator program, things are starting to look bright for the Kansas City-based Weejay.

But it wasn't always that way.  After coming up with the idea, researching it and watching parts of his vision come to life, Connor decided to walk away from the Weejay project in June of 2012 when he found multiple competitors who were already years ahead of him in the space.

"As an entrepreneur, when you have an idea and then discover that someone else does the exact same thing already, it's a deflating moment," says Connor. "But then Blake [Miller] from Think Big gave me a call and encouraged me to move forward.  Think Big gave me the confidence to continue with Weejay.  They reminded me to think of Coke and Pepsi.  There's always room for two in any industry."

But after creating Weejay's design, crafting up a layout and starting the Think Big Accelerator class, Connor still didn't feel 100% about his idea and where it was headed.  So, within the accelerator program, he learned the power of the pivot.

"I had an ah-ha moment a few weeks into the accelerator," says Connor.  "I realized that instead of a mobile jukebox, Weejay could become a marketing platform with a music focus.  It's how other great apps like Pandora and Front Flip have become so successful.  I am now creating a unique music discovery platform that is even better than my original idea."

According to Connor, Weejay is currently in "baby-step mode".  The startup has set out to prove its new model and has begun testing for engagement from establishments around Kansas City (i.e. restaurants).  In addition, the startup is narrowing down much of its gaming components, design and MVP.  But there's no denying it--Connor is anxious to tie up all the loose ends and begin the funding phase.

"I am so grateful for the structure, guidance, education and confidence that the Think Big Accelerator program has given me," says Connor.  "Plus, this is a lot of fun!  I am very excited to move forward through the next 30, 60, 90 days."

Read another Accelerator Spotlight blog post: Dwayne Brock of Kahootz

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Think Big Accelerator Spotlight: Dwayne Brock of Kansas City Startup Kahootz

How many calendars do you have? If it takes you more than five seconds to answer that question, you’re not alone. Dwayne Brock, CEO and co-founder of Kahootz, along with his wife Annie, had the very same problem.  

With too many calendars to keep track of, the idea of Kahootz, a unifying calendar among many platforms, was born.  The Kansas City-based startup is a consumer-focused online calendar platform that provides users with easier ways to combine, share and manage all obligations and profiles on one easy-to-maintain social-based platform. Kahootz also enables user-controlled, privacy-enabled, permission-based business-to-consumer markets through event promotion syndication.

“It was [Annie’s] idea,” says Dwayne Brock. “She put together the idea for Kahootz, but there wasn’t any business model or revenue producing stream.  That’s where I came in.”

Ever since the realization of their great idea and natural collaboration, Dwayne, a veteran manager of the medical supply and pharmaceutical sales industry, found himself in his first entrepreneurial endeavor to build and create Kahootz.  As he puts it, “I became an entrepreneur by default”.

Through networking and connections, Kahootz came in contact with Think Big Partners and, more specifically, the Think Big Partners Accelerator.

The Think Big Accelerator started its 22-week journey on Tuesday September 25^th, 2012 in order to help six startups launch their businesses faster, better and smarter. The six startups that make up the first accelerator class united from all regions of the U.S.—from Kansas City to New York to Los Angeles.

Each startup in the accelerator has had its own unique experience so far.  In Kahootz’s case, the accelerator process has involved developing and building the web and mobile based platforms for the calendar-centric app. 

In addition to guiding developers and the vision for Kahootz, Dwayne has also continued to work and manage a 16-state medical supply sales and distribution territory.  Dwayne reiterates, “Ultimately, I’d love to make Kahootz my full-time job, and we’re growing at rate where it needs to be. But we’re funding this 100% ourselves so far. Basically, I’m working one to fund the other.”

Though he has been pulling double duty, Dwayne feels that it is all worth it in the end.  “Kahootz brings something to the table that no other calendar platform does.”

028 Think Big Radio: A Think Big Partners Update

LISTEN NOW:
028 Think Big Radio: A Think Big Partners Update

What can we say?  Think Big gets $*!@ done fast!  In the past few months, we have had a lot going on and we want to fill you in.  In this episode of Think Big Radio, podcast producer Derek Olsen sits down with partner at Think Big, Blake Miller and the two discuss an update from everyone’s favorite Kansas City incubator and accelerator.

So what’s new with Think Big?  Tune into this episode of Think Big Radio and get the skinny on:

• Think Big Ventures I and our two recent investments
• The first Think Big Accelerator class
• Success in the first two weeks of the Accelerator program from companies like Fully and Phone2Action
• Upcoming event: Microsoft’s Azure Cloud & Windows 8 App Kickstarts (a free event for developers)
• bizperc coworking space buzz 

Follow Blake! @blakemiller32

First Think Big Accelerator Class Accepted into Microsoft BizSpark Programs

With the announcement of its first accelerator on September 25, 2012, Think Big Partners and the Think Big Accelerator program have also been accepted into the BizSpark Plus Partner Program in addition to their role as a BizSpark Network Partner with Microsoft Corp.  

Think Big Accelerator is a 22-week program in the Midwest for tech-focused, early-stage startups interested in launching a business faster, smarter and stronger.  Think Big Accelerator focuses on technology-based businesses with consumer-facing services, software, web services, apps and supportive solutions. 

As a member of the BizSpark Plus program, Think Big Accelerator will now be able to grant its six inducted startups access to BizSpark Plus, which provides a higher level of Windows Azure cloud access, setting up each entrepreneur for success in the cloud.  Microsoft BizSpark will also provide the six startups in the Think Big Accelerator program with consulting, insight, mentorship and expertise.  With Windows Azure cloud and BizSpark available for Think Big Accelerator startups, the partnership will provide the entrepreneurs with the essential tools needed to build, store, and network when building a profitable startup. 

Headed by Think Big Partners co-founder, Herb Sih, the cooperation with Microsoft aims to foster the growth of Midwest entrepreneurship, create a strong portfolio of startup stories and companies, and to create more successful businesses and jobs in the central region of the United States. 

“We are excited to have Think Big Partners join our BizSpark Plus Partner Program,” said Mark Relph, Senior Director, Strategic and Emerging Business Team at Microsoft. “Think Big Accelerator startups have the potential to spur business growth in the Midwest. With Windows Azure, startups can save the cost of investing in IT infrastructure and only pay for technology resources as they use them.  We look forward providing member startups with access to technology, resources and business connections.”

"The partnership we have developed with Microsoft will not only benefit the startups involved with the Think Big Accelerator program, but will also help to strengthen the entire Kansas City startup community," said Herb Sih, co-founder of Think Big Partners. "We are excited to already provide Midwestern startups with the benefits of the Microsoft partnership, such as the Azure Cloud and Windows 8 App Kickstarts for developers.  This is a great partnership for our startups, the accelerator and Kansas City entrepreneurs." 

To learn more about Think Big Accelerator, please visit www.thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator.  

Think Big Accelerator in Full Swing in Kansas City

We hit the ground running yesterday with our first Think Big Accelerator class.  The entrepreneurs from New York City, Los Angeles and Kansas City all came together to finally meet one another (as well as Think Big Partners) face-to-face.  The energy was high.  The coffee was plentiful (as was the paperwork).  And the first day of the accelerator seemed to pass by in a blink of an eye.

We are extremely excited to welcome our first accelerator class to the bizperc coworking space, a new office that these startups may start calling "home".  A warm welcome to Keyzio, Kahootz, inCharge, Phone2Action, H2OCloud and WeeJay--the six members of the original Think Big Accelerator class!

These six startups have quite an autumn (and winter) ahead of them.  Think Big Accelerator's 22-week program will truly test these entrepreneurs' strengths and weaknesses and put their big ideas to the test.  With ongoing mentorship, collaboration, startup services, field trips and in-depth discussions and solutions on a weekly basis, we're pretty confident that these six startups will come out stronger, better and more profitable in just 22 weeks.

Accelerator members were invited on a tour of the bizperc coworking space. 

Johnathan Block of H2OCloud (left) and Connor Sweeney of WeeJay (right).

Jeb Ory of Phone2Action. 

Let's just say Day 1 was already quite productive...

Sarah Snyder (left) and Emily Leeper (right) help with accelerator logistics.

Parker Hills of Keyzio (left) goes in-depth with Blake Miller of Think Big Partners (right).

Follow these startups along the accelerator journey.  Stay tuned on our blog for more news and updates about each of these companies and how they're progressing in the Think Big Accelerator! It's going to be a wild ride.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

ANNOUNCING: The Six Startups to Participate in the First Think Big Accelerator Class

We are excited to finally announce the six startups accepted into our first accelerator class, which is to begin on September 25, 2012 at our coworking space, bizperc, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Think Big Accelerator opened its first application window on June 14, 2012 for tech-focused, early-stage startups interested in launching a business faster, smarter and stronger within a Midwest accelerator program.  The accelerator focuses on technology-based businesses with consumer-facing services, software, web services, apps and supportive solutions, to participate in the program.

We have accepted six companies from across the nation to participate in our 22-week accelerator program:

• H2OCloud (New York, New York): H2OCloud is a cloud-based application that connects music fans to bands in a mobile-based platform.  H2OCloud helps bands create more revenue through better marketing, smarter asset management and improve the overall fan experience and artist-fan interaction.
• inCharge (Kansas City, Missouri): inCharge is a kiosk-based mobile phone charging station that provides digital out-of-home targeted advertising to the consumer.  inCharge’s initial focus is high teledensity overseas markets.
• Kahootz (Kansas City, Missouri): Kahootz is a consumer-focused online calendar platform that provides users with easier ways to combine, share and manage all obligations and profiles on one easy-to-maintain social-based platform. Kahootz also enables user-controlled, privacy-enabled, permission-based business-to-consumer markets through event promotion syndication.
• Keyzio (Kansas City, Missouri): Keyzio has been defined as the Match.com for real estate for two people who don’t know they are trying to find each other. The Keyzio platform connects people and helps them find, buy and sell real estate that may not normally be available through MLS.
• Phone2Action (Los Angeles, California): Phone2Action uses location-based mobile technology to instantly connect constituents to their lawmakers making in-the-moment advocacy easier.
• Weejay (Kansas City, MO): Weejay is a virtual jukebox application that allows customers to control music in particular venues through mobile devices. Weejay’s venue management feature dashboard enables total control of music for a specific venue and creates better revenue opportunities for venue owners to enhance the overall patron experience. 

“Once again, we were overwhelmed by both the quality and the quantity of applications we received,” said Think Big Partners co-founder Tyler Prochnow.  “While the quality of their ideas alone were impressive, even more impressive was the quality of the entrepreneurs.  Several of the class participants are repeat founders who have already achieved a high level of success in other ventures.  We are confident that they will add significant value to the formal program we have established.” 

The first Think Big Accelerator class will start its 22-week program on Tuesday, September 25, 2012, capped by a Demo Week in January of 2013.      

Think Big Accelerator typically takes 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 accelerator program to receive its benefits. 

"We are especially excited to be able to attract a different type of entrepreneur to Kansas City," said co-founder of Think Big Partners, Herb Sih. "The Think Big Accelerator Program will enable entrepreneurs who could not uproot their lives and move to another city for four months to build and launch companies while still maintaining other life obligations at some level. We took cues from executive MBA programs, combined them with accelerator best practices, then bolted on an innovation factory mentality.” 

To learn more about our Think Big Accelerator, please visit www.thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator.

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

022 Think Big Radio: Top 5 Reasons to Join an Accelerator Program

Ever since startup accelerator programs have begun popping up around the world, skeptics have been curious: are startup accelerators a waste of time?  Are they worth it?  Do they really benefit the startups that take the plunge?

Maybe those skeptics haven’t seen the success rates from top accelerator programs such as TechStars, Y Combinator and LaunchBox.  Startups around the globe are becoming more successful at a faster rate because of startup accelerators (or even through business incubators).

In this podcast, Derek and Allison of Think Big Partners explore the five reasons you and your business idea should undergo the startup accelerator process:

1. Mentors
2. Elevator Pitch
3. Resources and Relationships
4. Capital
5. Exposure

022 Think Big Radio: Top 5 Reasons to Join an Accelerator Program

Learn more about the Think Big Accelerator at www.thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator and apply today (applications due August 10, 2012).  

Think Big Accelerator Program Application Deadline in 1 Month

With just one more month to become involved in the Think Big Accelerator program, it's time to

Apply Now

DEADLINE: August 10, 2012

The Think Big Accelerator Program is an intensive 14-week program with the goal to help you turn an idea into a profitable company.  But the Think Big Accelerator Program doesn’t require an entrepreneur to drop other critical obligations while building a dream business.  And that’s what makes it unique.

In just 14 weeks, entrepreneurs will:

• Learn the Proof of Concept Rapid Innovation Sequence Method (PRISM)
• Find a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Create milestone-based processes with management teams
• Connect with resources, network partners, service providers and syndication partners
• Create marketing plans
• Offer ongoing coaching and mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs
• Experience a full-blown Demo Day with investors and VCs

Learn more and apply at www.thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator

Think Big Partners Launches First Accelerator Class

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