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April 30, 2005

Pilgrim's Progress provides guide for the entrepreneur's journey

Cross posted from Deep Green Crystals.

Just finished The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English (Pure Gold Classics). It took three months to read. Pretty old english. I was intrigued when I read that for hundreds of years it has been the #2 seller in England just behind the Bible. While I link to Amazon to buy it here, I bought it at a second hand bookstore for $.50. You can too and I recommend that.

To grossly oversimplify the book, it is the story of a spiritual pilgrim, "Christian", as he progresses from initial knowledge of God, all the way through various trials and tribulations into the "Kingdom of heaven". Somewhat a long parable for the faith journey. Throughout the literal and metaphorical journey Christian meets with obstacles roughly out of the bible. The edition that I read had extensive footnotes that lead you to the passage that relates to what is going on in the journey. The cool thing is that the whole story of a faith journey is told without any of the traditional biblical lingo. No Peter, Paul and Mary. No Romans or Jews. These are replaced with characters named for themselves. Like Pliable, Obstinate, the Evangelist, Worldly Wiseman, Mr. Legality, Hypocrisy, Faithful, Wanton, Talkative, By-ends and Friends, and Mr. Money-Love. Christian leaves the "City of Destruction" to overcome obstacles including the Slough of Despond, House Beautiful, The Valley of Humiliation, The Valley of the Shadow of Death, Vanity Fair and Doubting Castle. You get a completely different perspective on the faith journey, any faith.

While the book was written to help readers understand the faith journey, I saw many parallels to the technology start-up process. In many ways it is a journey of faith. Many times I have met Obstinate, the Evangelist, Mr. Legality, Wanton, Talkative and Mr. Money-Love. More than once I have been in (and seen companies go through) the Slough of Despond, House Beautiful, The Valley of Humiliation, Vanity Fair and Doubting Castle. If they are lucky, they reach the Celestial Gates and the Promised Land. Most do not. Most get drawn off the path at some point. The technology start-up process requires a similar measure of faith, determination and eye-on-the-ballness that a spiritual journey requires. I would recommend this book to anyone contemplating either journey.

I rate this a 5 out of 5 stars.

Posted by Martin at 11:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 12, 2005

WSA Investor Forum 2005, Sept. 21 Bell Harbor Convention Center

I have presented at this two times. This is an excellent forum for investors to see the best of local venture funded companies and early stage deals. It is also a great place for entrepreneurs to meet investors. Sign up now!



WSA's Investment Forum 2005


APPLY NOW to present to investors and CIOs!



Wednesday, September 21, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle



The Annual WSA Investment Forum is not your typical pitch-to-investors event.


In addition to showcasing your business to local and national venture capitalists, you will have an opportunity to present
to CIOs of established companies. The 2005 Forum's approach provides exposure to the two critical audiences for any company
– investors and customers.


CIOs enjoy the opportunity to learn first-hand about new technologies, VCs benefit from the chance to see a customer’s
reaction, and you get to be in the center of it all. Emerging technology companies looking for money – and customers – will
find this year's forum the place to be.


The application deadline is Friday, May 13, 2005 -- Click here for the online presenter application


PRE-EVENT RECEPTION

Tuesday, September 20, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Location TBD


INVESTMENT FORUM

Wednesday, September 21, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Seattle


FOR MORE INFORMATION: Investment Forum website or call 206.448.3033 ext. 107


Posted by Martin at 8:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Two workshops on getting federal small business grants April 20

Did you know the federal government awards smaller companies billions in R&D funding each year? These two comprehensive hands-on sessions will cover the essentials of evaluating a range of federal R&D grants for your company. Learn about preparing and pursuing a government research award as well as dedicated funding streams for small businesses and energy-related companies.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005:
PROGRAMS at a GLANCE:
Tapping into Government Funds for Energy Technology Projects 8:30am -noon
Speakers: Representatives from Dept of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Jeff Morris,(NWETC), and Tab Wilkins (WTC)

SBIR 101 - An Introduction to Federal Research Awards 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Speakers: Tab Wilkins (WTC), Jean Montano (SIRTI)
Basics to be covered include:
* Federal R&D Funding, is it Right for Me? Eligibility and Strategic Perspectives
* Where do I Start? Finding the Agency That's Right for You
* Follow Federal Funding Trends for Energy Projects and Match them with Your Company's Research
--
Registration deadline: April 18th
Costs:
$75.00 Registration for both workshops
$45.00 Registration for "Tapping into Government Funds for Energy Technology Projects" - 8:30am - noon
$45.00 Registration for "SBIR 101 - An Introduction to Federal Research Awards" - 1:00pm - 5:00pm $10.00 Boxed lunch option

Additional information and Link to online registration: https://www.sporg.com/servlet/IndRegister?sporgEventID=12541

Posted by Martin at 9:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Banff Venture Forum call for presenting companies in September

       Banff Venture Forum - Call For Presenting Companies

Call For Presenting Companies

September 16th & 17th, 2005

Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff , Canada

Why you should apply to present at BVF 2005:

  • Present your early or growth stage IT company to VC and angel investors gathered from across Canada & the U.S.


  • Build your network with the leaders of technology commercialization at the premier technology investment forum in western Canada.


  • Past BVF presenting companies have raised over $75 million (U.S.) in venture capital and angel funding.


  • Get early exposure to the BVF selection committee, comprised of leading private equity investors.


TECHNOLOGY . OPPORTUNITY . TRACTION

Apply on-line now by July 22nd at:
www.banffventureforum.org

Questions? Contact Marc Elrick, Executive Director,(403) 819-0383

E-mail: marc@criticalpathgroup.com

 

Posted by Martin at 9:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 8, 2005

Siemens buys Myrio

this was announced today: Siemens to acquire Seattle's Myrio Corp.. My friend Kelly Smith works there. It is a good outcome for them as Siemens is behind in the innovation game here and will provide resources to scale. Good to see M&A activity in northwest companies. Good for us all.

Posted by Martin at 2:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack