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Proto’s next edition is around the corner… and this time it’s in Bangalore

Proto’s fifth edition is happening in Bangalore on the 23-23th of January. The venue is the Nimhans Convention Center and the two days event is packed with action all around – besides the startup showcase that is slated for the second day, the first day is likely to feature a medley of startup/entrepreneurship focused activities … the final agenda is expected shortly, but this is a quick preview of what to expect.

Shotgun Startups – Teams compete with each other to build a product in 24 hours, and get them voted by the audience at Proto.in, with one emerging as the winner.

Pitchcamp – A workshop for startups to help them sculpt their pitch that will sell every time.

Innovation Jam – A chance for the entire audience to participate in chipping with their own ideas.

Proto.in Conversations – Listen from fellow entrepreneurs about their experiences… everything from funding to hiring.

Startup Job board – Hiring 2.0… grafiti style… If you are a startup and looking for people, put up a post. If you are a professional and looking for a job in an exciting startup, take a card and give them a call.

This sounds like fun… lots of activities to get involved in. Whether you are one of the few chosen startups that will be presenting on stage, or just an average avid tech enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.

Something to note: This is the first time the event is happening in Bangalore, undoubtedly India’s biggest IT/Technology hub. That factor should make it bigger and grander than previous editions. When an event of this nature happens in a city, it gives a push to local companies, who stand to benefit most from the enhanced exposure.

Of the four previous editions, I have attended three (having missed the Jan 08 event in Chennai). I will be at Bangalore for sure- its too good an opportunity to miss. See you there.

Resource for VC funding seekers: Entrepreneur Pitchbook from Canaan Partners

Just thought of sharing this excellent resource for the benefit of all startups that are raising venture funding. This is from Canaan Partners and they have created a kind of a workbook (called a pitchbook) that startups could use for getting their pitch decks in shape. Its almost like a fill-in-the-blanks exercise that everyone understands so well.

The pitchbook lends a structured approach to thinking about funding and how to build up your case for convincing those guys across the table. Different VCs may have different suggested formats, or outlooks they care for… nevertheless once you have been able to marshal your own thoughts, modifying the pitch to suit individual investors may not be far off.

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While on the issue of pitching for VC, I can’t help but bring up Guy Kawasaki’s classic “The Art of Pitching“. This deals with the actual communication style that one should adopt to appear convincing to potential investors (its not focused on the content of the pitch, rather the manner in which it should be delivered). He may not be off target… every idea needs to be sold… and there are numerous examples of good ideas failing to take off because they were not packaged smartly (either to investors or to customers)… take a look below and decide for yourself.

The Art of the Pitching

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: garage kawasaki)