And thus ended the International Conference on ' Investor Day in Central and Eastern Europe 2011. Internet technology and innovation '(IDCEE 2011) which was held in Kiev on 25-26 October 2011.
It could be many who are interested in? . novice investors - angels, which could delve deeper into the specifics of angel and venture capital, and just look for a project of more than one hundred projects represented in the exhibition, and of course, is what the startups looking to bring to life the idea of finding funding for.
Intentionally miss the speakers and experts, because their goal is clear.
But I want to talk about this. conference through the eyes of a startup.
The first thing that catches your eye - is the scale! . Quality and quantity of absolutely everything (organizations, visitors, speakers, investors put up projects) on the order of magnitude larger and better last year's event. It is very nice, and if next year is to continue - it will be a great, not to mention the fact that if the event will continue to rise.
For all this of course Dennis and the team a great Respect.
Next I will speak for the overall impression - not only the pros and cons, respectively, but.
All took place in three areas - one for reports and presentations, the second stands for start-ups and last for a coffee break.
The only thing that the toilets were outside and every time to go to 2,000 people out of necessity - had to go through security, badge reader to get out and then go to the same. ( it was easier to just do a check at the entrance to the building. ) Is also jostling for coffee breaks and lunches, t. to. all that mass of people is the number of staff and the tables could not serve - yet somehow versed.
T. to. people were very much the first day began with the hustle and bustle on the register r. to. did not really understand where and who is responsible for what. but for a couple of hours, all sorted out, and then everything went well.
I would like to draw attention to some not fully thought out things. at least badges. color differentiation is a great idea. ... BUT, why suddenly, investors and students turned out to be blue in color - it is not clear. it is distinguished by a touch, but the blue. illumination. room - it was impossible to distinguish. Also on the badge. last name. and sponsors have been written by a very large, but that's the name of the project - or the name of the fund is so small. that all. bending over. to the waist to get a grasp. and yet want to know with whom to talk - but the name can not always something to say.
Then most of the investors wore badges that showed the fact that they do not come here to invest. but mainly to look around. hang out. But more on that later. The first day. basically all listened to presentations and discussions on the panels, and few people shuttled between satrtapami.
With regard to the discussions and speeches. There is no doubt smart people say smart things. But apparently it was common themes, and if anyone has ever been in such an event it is the percentage of useful information is reduced. But for obvious reasons, are narrow and specialized items for the events of this magnitude no one will discuss, t. to. they rule the needs of most.
Regarding the start-ups:. All the representatives of start-ups agreed that the first day was pitching startups - startups, t. to. went from friend to friend, and told himself. interested in.
In no case we can not say that it is bad (all met, honed pitch, the questions asked, etc. ) - But clearly this was not the main purpose to buy a ticket;).
But investors had largely missed by the hand and pull to a. or they surrounded the round and was not allowed to live with the circle until all himself does not tell. When they escaped from the circle - face shone with happiness is not a fake;) and they can understand - but they knew what they were.
The second day. for start-ups have been more active since the reality was more interested in cruising, and not try to rush into the room that they are not hooked, as was the day peryvy.
It was necessary to do so in the past year - to get to the gym - you need to go through all the start-ups;).
The organizers write.
' on average for the sample of 20 startups in their hands for 7-8 cards investors. min 2, max 42 (!) - in how to work it! today in the hall on.
I confirm - the way it was - and in a sample of more;).
But there is an important caveat mentioned by early.
This mood of investors and relevant to what is happening.
In short - if for instance in the valley on the demo, or go Disrapt investors to pick up a good investment, then there is not the goal was to invest a look at what happens and just hang out.
If you penetrate deeper, bigger ventures that - they do not focus on seed investments than is generally deal with the angels. they all spoke as one - come to us later. a foreign angels Ukraine is not yet known to invest. And that's why most investors do not they put badges investors - but simply members. At the same time the local culture angel investing is not even the angels as such. (Not often heard on local - we will give some money but not less than 60 % ) T. e. the person does not understand the basic principles.
In other words - should take the time to foreign investors began to believe and trust the local entrepreneurs, and for this great event such as a driving force. But our investors are learning and trying to grasp the essence of venture capital investments, and to move away from Soviet-type thoughts:.
if they give money - it means it's mine and I want to steer. Q: Was the exhibition useful project and was it worth the money to pay for it?.
Obviously it every startup answer for himself, but to evaluate it objectively, I would like to receive information from the organizers - were there any investment in any projects from this event. But I'm afraid as last year - this information will not be.
One thing is certain, the more and more such events will occur, the more investors will come here, the more they will trust, and the more will be invested. but it takes time.