Startup Weekend Toronto

F.A.Q.

What types of ideas should I be ready to pitch?

Most of the ideas are web-based or mobile applications. Generally, ideas which involve creating a physical product do not work well because you need something to present to the panel on Sunday. If you have any idea at all, we encourage you to pitch it!

How do I pitch my idea?

The pitches on Friday night will be informal (no PowerPoint allowed) and you will be allotted no more than 90 seconds to explain your idea. If you would like to sharpen your pitching skills before Friday check out: http://www.slideshare.net/suwvienna/tutorial-startup-weekend-pitch-2324035

Should I be worried about my idea getting stolen?

Startup Weekend pitches are done in an open forum and no non-disclosures will be signed. If you are really concerned about your idea being stolen, by all means keep it private. But remember, it’s rarely the idea that is the winner but the people and the execution behind it.

Does Startup Weekend have any ownership rights to ideas or products conceived at the event?

Absolutely not. Startup Weekend is a non-profit organization and any ownership rights are completely up to the teams and participants. We don’t recommend worrying too much about this during the event – there will be lots of time for that when you take your startup to the next level.

It’s imperative that everyone is open during the event. If you have an idea that you’ve already been working on and want to move it forward over the weekend, make sure your intentions are clear. Don’t come to the event to get free work done on your pre-existing startup. That’s not the spirit of the event.

How do we form the teams?

We allow the teams to form themselves. Once the pitches are done we allow everyone to gravitate to the idea they would like to pursue for the weekend. Generally teams of approximately 7 members work best. Feel free to get your friends and colleagues together to put some pieces of the team together in advance, but don’t shy away from adding new people who you meet for the first time. Remember that part of the value is in the startup/founder dating component of Startup Weekend.

How will I know what someone else’s specialty is?

This is where the networking aspect of the event comes in. To put a good team together, you need to walk around and talk to people. Last time, we used colour coded name tags and we might do that again but you need to talk to people to find out what they can offer.

What time should I get there on Friday?

Try to arrive between 5:30pm and 6:00pm to register early and so you have a chance to eat and network with other attendees. We have a lot to do on Friday night so need to get things moving and get you all working!

How do I get there?

We’re on the 3rd floor of the amazing new TWG office at 425 Adelaide St W., at the corner of Adelaide and Brant.

Do I need to bring a computer?

Yes, make sure to bring a computer- laptops are preferred of course but whatever you need to get the job done.

Anything else I should bring?

Business cards, and if you have an extra extension cord and/or power strip please bring it. Also, bring a great attitude and a lot of energy!

How much does it cost (remember, we’re a non-profit and have to cover our costs)?

Cost to participate is $125 and you must buy a ticket to officially become registered. We have a limited number of tickets discounted for students using the code SWSTUDENT. The cost includes food/drinks to be provided throughout the weekend, along with prizes, swag and more…

Twitter

If you tweet about this event on Twitter, please use the #swtoronto hashtag so that we can include you in the sidebar and make it easier for others to connect with you. Please follow the official Startup Weekend Toronto twitter feed (@startupwkndTO) as well to stay up-to-date with recent information regarding the event.

Have a question?

Check out our FAQ for answers to some commonly asked questions. If you still need help, feel free to contact us.

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