Look forward to these events…

November 8, 2011: NVC Pitch Night 5:30pm Wolf Law

Interested in startups? Want to connect to top entrepreneurs in the area?

The NVC is a cross-campus business plan competition that gives students an excellent opportunity to:
· Learn about how to develop business ideas into viable plans;
· Develop meaningful connections with Boulder business leaders and mentors;
· Meet other business-minded CU students across campus (including students from Leeds, Computer Science, Engineering, Law, and Music); and
· Win prize money and other in-kind benefits (last year’s 1st place team won $7,000)
Pitch Night is not only an opportunity to form teams, but also to find mentors. There will be approximately 30 business mentors in attendance – teams can connect with mentors for guidance on their business plans.

Unlike in previous years, this year’s NVC will contain separate competitive tracks divided by industry; we will have four tracks: information technology, clean tech, music & arts, and social ventures. After Pitch Night, teams will develop their plans for a spring competition in their respective industry track; winners from each track will go onto cross-campus finals, set for March 15. WHATEVER YOUR IDEA, YOU CAN COMPETE IN ONE OF THE TRACKS.

Pitch Night Sign Up http://nvcpitchnight.eventbrite.com/
Follow us on Twitter: @cunvc
Check out our website cunvc.org

If you have more specific questions in advance of Kickoff, email Dave Mangum: dcmangum@gmail.com or Jacqui Dietrich jacquelyn.dietrich@colorado.edu

November 10, 2011: Zayo Group, 5:30p in room 235

This is a great opportunity to learn about a local company that has a strong entrepreneurial focus and is in a phase of growth. Employees from the company will be here to talk about the company’s history and how it utilizes the concept of entrepreneurship to build success. Zayo group is also a great place to look for internships and post graduation employment. Pizza will be provided so please fill out the survey at the link below if you plan on coming so we can order enough food.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KTZWSC6

Hope to see you there. Also, check them out at www.zayo.com.
November 15, 2011: Michael Franson – St. Charles Capital – RSVP coming soon
November 16, 2011: Intimate Lunch with Brad Feld, 11:45a – 1:30p, place TBD

How would you like to join Brad Feld for lunch? Brad has agreed to have lunch with several MBA students on Wednesday, November 16th.

In order to keep the lunch intimate, the GEA invites all first-year and second-year MBA students to write an essay on why they should be selected to have lunch with Brad.

Brad is co-founder of the VC firm, Foundry Group, He also co-founded TechStars and has been an early investor for more than 20 years. You can read more about Brad on his blog: http://www.feld.com/wp/about

Please send all submissions to david.parker@colorado.edu by November 6.

GEA Retreaters: Be very excited for our keynote speaker – Eric Marcoullier

Here is a short teaser bio of our keynote speaker:

Eric Marcoullier co-founded the pioneering games site IGN.com in 1996 (IPO in 2000, acquired by NewsCorp in 2005) and the first distributed social network MyBlogLog in 2005 (acquired by Yahoo in 2007). He moved to Boulder in 2008 and launched social data aggregator Gnip and OneTrueFan (recently acquired by BigDoor).  During his frequent trips to SF, LA and NYC, he likes to see as much live music as possible and eat street food. Eric pines for simpler times when he played video games and ultimate frisbee.

Recap: SkyFuel Talk and Tour

On 10/5, the GEA and Net Impact hosted a talk & tour at SkyFuel, Inc. in Arvada, CO. SkyFuel is a small solar thermal energy company with a unique ultra thin reflector technology that they are marketing for utility scale power generation. The students enjoyed a free lunch while listening to the CEO, Rick LeBlanc discuss his company, his industry, and his thoughts on education and entrepreneurship in general.

Also, former GEA president Matt Reisman was there to talk about CU Cleantech and student internship opportunities with CU Cleantech’s market assessment program to help commercialize new green technologies. The highlight of the day was touring SkyFuel’s demonstration unit located adjacent to their office. It’s essentially a giant parabolic mirror that is ~20 feet wide and as long as a football field and can spin nearly 180 degrees. Quite an impressive product indeed!

Interested in startups? Want to connect to top entrepreneurs in the area?

The New Venture Challenge is gearing up for another exciting year! Join us for our Kickoff night at 6:00 p.m. (networking at 5:30) on Tuesday, October 25 in the courtroom of the Wolf Law Building.  Sign up for Kickoff night here http://nvckickoff.eventbrite.com/

The NVC is a cross-campus business plan competition that gives students an excellent opportunity to:
·       Learn about how to develop business ideas into viable plans;
·       Develop meaningful connections with Boulder business leaders and mentors;
·       Meet other business-minded CU students across campus (including students from Leeds, Computer Science, Engineering, Law, and Music); and
·       Win prize money and other in-kind benefits (last year’s 1st place team won $7,000)

Whether you have a business idea that you want to put into practice, want to contribute your skills to help develop someone else’s idea, or just want an opportunity for business mentorship and networking, the NVC is a great way to get involved in the CU and greater Boulder business community.

This year’s kickoff will feature one of Boulder’s most engaging and dynamic entrepreneurs: Orbotix CEO Paul Berberian.  Pre-event networking starts at 5:30 in Wolf Law on Tuesday, October 25 with a formal start at 6:00. Stick around after the main event for networking and light refreshments.

In addition to Kickoff on October 25, we have scheduled Pitch Night for November 8, also at 5:30 in the courtroom of Wolf Law.  Have an idea but need help developing it? Pitch your idea! Don’t have an idea but want to join a team? Connect with one of the pitchers!

Pitch Night is not only an opportunity to form teams, but also to find mentors.  There will be approximately 30 business mentors in attendance – teams can connect with mentors for guidance on their business plans.

Unlike in previous years, this year’s NVC will contain separate competitive tracks divided by industry; we will have four tracks: information technology, clean tech, music & arts, and social ventures.  After Pitch Night, teams will develop their plans for a spring competition in their respective industry track; winners from each track will go onto cross-campus finals, set for March 15.  WHATEVER YOUR IDEA, YOU CAN COMPETE IN ONE OF THE TRACKS.

To learn more, come to the NVC Kickoff on October 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Wolf Law Building and to NVC Pitch Night on November 8 (also at 5:30 p.m. in the Wolf Law Building).

Kickoff Sign Up http://nvckickoff.eventbrite.com/
Pitch Night Sign Up http://nvcpitchnight.eventbrite.com/
Follow us on Twitter: @cunvc
Check out our website cunvc.org

If you have more specific questions in advance of Kickoff, email Dave Mangum: dcmangum@gmail.com or Jacqui Dietrich jacquelyn.dietrich@colorado.edu

This just in..GEA Retreat Schedule is official!!!

GEA Retreat: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 | 10a – 8p | Greenbriar Inn

10:00a Retreat begins!!!

10:30a – 11:00a The Deming Center: An Introduction with Paul Jerde

11:00a – 12:00p Entrepreneurship Professors: What we should know to start a company with Bret Fund, George Deriso and Chris Leach

12:00p – 12:45p LUNCH

12:45p – 1:30p What it’s like to start your own company with Marley Hodgson (MAD Greens), Tom Markiewicz (StatsMix), JJ Rademaekers (JJ’s Cocomels)

1:45p – 2:30p Working at a start-up: The good, the great and the crazy with Tim Falls (SendGrid), Chuck Lepley (Orbotix/Sphero), Adam Shepler (Scriptpad)

2:45p – 3:30p Growth and Sustaining Companies: A workshop with Ross Shell (Red Idea Partners)

3:45p – 4:30p Money and other things your company needs to survive

4:30p – 5:00p BREAK

5:00p – 6:00p COCKTAIL HOUR

6:00p – 6:45p Keynote Speaker: Eric Marcoullier

6:45p – 8:00p Networking

RSVP : Closed

Schedule in some spice…

On Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 1:00-1:45p in Room S125, join us to hear David Rubin, owner of A Spice of Life catering company, speak about his experience in starting a catering and event-planning company.

 Some key points in his presentation:

• Planning an event that will be attended and remembered
• Considering the time of day and target market for the event
• Promoting the event through social media

Awesome speaker with free lunch!

Please RSVP here:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2FCMPSN

David Rubin began his career in the Food and Service industry early in life. While working with Interstate Hotels Corporation, the largest Marriott Hotel franchise at the time, Rubin had the opportunity to hone in on his appreciation for all aspects of food, beverage and business management at seven different properties around the country.

 He then took his vast and continually expanding knowledge of the industry to Boulder, Colorado, where he has succeeded as President and General Manager of A Spice of Life Catering Services and Event Centers.  Rubin has managed the growth of his company from four full-time employees to a current staff that includes 48 full-time and 90 part-time employees. Thanks to Rubin’s determination, A Spice of Life is now known as the premiere catering company in Boulder County; they serve the corporate sector as well as over 145 weddings per year for the past fifteen seasons.  In 1998, A Spice of Life established the Event Center at the Flatirons Golf Course and in 2003, it expanded into a second Boulder event facility at the East Boulder Community Center.  At these facilities and at dozens of locations across the Front Range and mountain areas, clients’ visions come to fruition through A Spice of Life’s unique talents.

 The company’s honors and accolades include winning the Boulder Daily Camera People’s Choice Gold Award annually from 2000 to 2011. The Denver Business Journal also ranked A Spice of Life Catering in the Top 10 Denver Caterers for the past twelve years.  Furthermore, Colorado Meeting & Events Magazine ranks Spice as the top catering company statewide outside the Denver Metro area in 2010 and 2011. Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Magazine picked A Spice of Life as editor’s choice in 2009, and Spice is an annual winner of The Knot’s Best of Weddings in Colorado.

In addition to the company’s awards, Rubin has garnered countless personal accomplishments in his years as a local business owner.  Rubin received the Outstanding Alumni Award by University of Delaware’s in 2002, and he currently sits on the Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional and Management Alumni Board.  He is extremely involved in the community and passionate about volunteering his time and company’s talents to organizations such as the March of Dimes, Hospice of Boulder County, American Cancer Society, Community Food Share, The Homeless Shelter, and Boulder Philharmonic.  He currently serves on the Board for the Small Business Development Center and speaks at multiple training sessions throughout the year, most notably at the National Catering Convention in Las Vegas. In addition to these positions, he helped create and chaired the March of Dimes Signature Chef Event, now in its 17th year.  Rubin has served on numerous committees and C.E.O. exchanges, including a board term on the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.  Rubin is also involved with Entrepreneur Organization and the Colorado Wedding Association, and has been instrumental in the development of a statewide coalition, the Colorado Catering Association. 

 In his occasional spare time, Rubin strives to maintain a presence in the athletic world. He continues to foster his love for lacrosse since leaving the University of Delaware by playing for Team Nike out of Denver and by participating in various other National tournaments.  His passion for skiing has continued to grow each year and David also coaches the Lafayette Bobcats football team in the fall.

 He is fortunate to have found his partner in life in his wife Amy, and enjoys spending his time with her and their three children, Athena, Quinn, and Levi.

Join us for exciting events in September!

GEA General Meeting for New Members
Friday, September 9, 2011
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Location TBD (Keep posted for details!)

Come learn more about the GEA and how you can become involved. Food will be provided!

Please RSVP: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SG2BSMN
__________________________________________________________________

Speed Networking
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
6:00pm – 7:30pm

Los Oasis (http://www.losoasis.com/#!location)

Get to know some people in the other class! Speed networking between the first and second year classes will give you 1-2 min each to talk about your interests and goals for the MBA program. This will be a test run for a speed networking night with the Boulder community. Food will be provided!

Please RSVP: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SGF5TM7
__________________________________________________________________

Deming Center Fall Networking Night
Thursday, September 15, 2011
5:30pm- 7:30pm

Koenig Alumni Center

Please join the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship for its traditional fall welcome event.
Join new and continuing students, faculty, staff, administration, Deming advisory board members, alumni, and business community members for an evening of discovery and connection; meet newcomers, and reconnect with favorite acquaintances over hot and cold appetizers, desserts, and drinks.

For More Information:
Call 303.735.5415 | Email jody.reale@colorado.edu

__________________________________________________________________
Boulder Beta
Thursday, September 15, 2011
6pm-9pm

Absinthe House (http://www.facebook.com/BoulderAbsintheHouse#!/BoulderAbsintheHouse?sk=info)

If you are interested in Boulder Tech startups, this is the place to be! Free for students.

BoulderBeta is back for a fun filled fall season of startup action. Summer is winding down, the students are back, vacation is over, and it’s time to meet the next generation of Colorado startups!
Get your ticket today, and don’t miss out on the best Beta to ever hit the streets of Boulder!

RSVP: http://bit.ly/qcjfvN

__________________________________________________________________
Spice of Life – Event Planning Seminar and Entrepreneurship
Thursday, September 22, 2011
1p – 1:45p in Room S125

Come join us to hear David Rubin owner of Spice of Life catering company. David will be speaking about his experiences in starting a catering and event planning company along with giving a mini seminar on how to plan an event.
See his bio at cugea.wordpress.com
RSVP http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2FCMPSN

__________________________________________________________________
Student/Faculty Lunch
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
12-1:30p in Room S318

The annual GEA student/faculty lunch is your chance to learn more about opportunities and coursework, to network, ask questions, and speak your mind in a casual, intimate setting. Make the most of your Leeds experience and sign up today to join Leeds professors and instructors for lunch on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 12-1:30 in Leeds conference room S318.

Please note that space is limited to a total of 20 guests, and RSVPs are taken on a first come, first serve basis. Thanks for your interest. We look forward to seeing you there. MBA students who are not members of GEA are welcome to attend.
Email jody.reale@colorado.edu with questions or input.

RSVP: http://studentfaculty2011.eventbrite.com/

________________________________________________
TEDx Boulder
Saturday, September 24, 2011
5:30p – 9pm

Macky Auditorium @ The University of Colorado (www.tedxboulder.com/#event)

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations).  (Taken from the TEDx Boulder website)

Learn more and buy tickets: http://www.tedxboulder.com/#what_is_tedx

 Sneak peak into October:

• GEA sponsored coffee and food in the Atrium on October 4^th from 7:30a – 9:00a
• CU Cleantech Tour on October 5^th
• GEA RETREAT on October 19^th!!!!!

August 30: Boulder Info Tech Forum

August 30, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
Boulder Info Tech Forum with CU Professors Martha Palmer (Linguistics and Computer Science) and Dirk Grunwald (Computer Systems), in the Colloquium Room of the Wolf Law Building at CU Boulder. In this invite-only Forum, Boulder-area technologists and entrepreneurs and IBM Distinguished Engineers will hear presentations by CU researchers on cutting edge work in IT, software, and computer science. 20-30 minutes of Q&A and Roundtable discussion will follow. Researchers’ papers will be distributed 10-14 days in advance of the Forum date.

The Forum will increase CU faculty visibility in the Boulder IT community and, through direct feedback from Boulder entrepreneurs and IBM Distinguished Engineers, will show how CU research might better serve unmet market needs.

The Forum is sponsored by IBM, Silicon Flatirons Center, and the Boulder Innovation Center.

Limited spots! If you are interested, e-mail Connie @ connie.wang-1@colorado.edu by the end of the day with a few lines of why you want to go!

GEA Retreat

The annual GEA Retreat has been booked for October 19th. This year it will be at the Greenbrier Inn.This years GEA retreat will cover entrepreneurship from startup to funding, to becoming a serial entrepreneur.  Full agenda coming soon!

There is a fee for the event but I promise you well worth it!
RSVP CLOSED

Outsource it!

Interesting article on the top 10 things that entrepreneurs should outsource.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/blog/219942
Taxes tops the list, along with some other interesting items like cleaning and shopping.