FAQ

What is the purpose of the Startup Ideation Workshop?

The purpose of the Ideation Workshops to help jump start the formation of new companies based around innovative technologies. Our first Ideation Clinic In June 2017 was based around Machine Learning which showcased many interesting ML based startup concepts many of which are being actively pursued by the winning teams. In the future, we will explore other interesting technologies such as AR/VR, IoT etc.

Do I need to have Blockchain experience to participate in this workshop?

You don’t need to have prior Blockchain Learning experience to participate in this workshop. We have mentors with deep Blockchain experience who are available to help you. However, to get the most out of the workshop, we would recommend learning the basics of Blockchain technology. Our Blockchain resources section will provide you with guidance on how to get up to speed quickly. In addition, we will also be holding an education event on October 12th that will go into more details around Blockchain platforms, applications use cases and business models.

How do I prepare for the workshop?

We would recommend learning the basics of Blockchain technology prior to the event. Our Blockchain resources section will provide you with guidance on how to get up to speed quickly. It is mandatory for all Workshop participants to also attend the Panel event on Oct 12th as it will provide valuable educational content to prepare for the Workshop. In addition, the Startup Ideation and Team formation will happen at the Panel event.

How is the workshop structured?

We will kickoff the Blockchain workshop with a Panel event on Oct 12th to educate everyone on the fundamentals of Blockchain technology, platforms, use cases and token based business models. This will be followed by the Startup Ideation Weekend workshop on Oct 27-29 where teams will work together to formulate exciting Please checkout our Agenda for the program. We will start off by outlining specific ML based business opportunities along with associated data sets that you can analyze. Blockchain startup concepts. Your fee for the Workshop includes the fee for the Panel event.

It is mandatory for the Workshop pParticipants to attend the Panel event as the Ideation and Team formation will start at the Panel event. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own ideas and pitch them to other participants. Participants then get to vote on which idea they want to work on. Once the teams are formed, they will need to work on analyzing the data sets and determine what predictive models they can develop and the market attractiveness of these models. they can start collaborating on their startup concept in advance of the Workshop. We will establish a Slack channel to connect all the team members with each other.

The Startup Ideation Workshop will begin on a Friday evening (Oct 27). Teams should be prepared to begin work on their startup concept in earnest including developing a solid business plan and a dApp prototype. Throughout the weekend, teams will be supported by experienced mentors with deep startup and Blockchain experience. By Sunday afternoon, teams should have finalized their business plan presentation and application prototype to present to a distinguished panel of judges who will select the top 3 winning concepts. Each of the winning teams will receive exciting prizes and the support to continue working on their ideas to turn them into real companies.

What should I do if I have my own idea that I want to pursue on Blockchain technology?

If you have your idea, we would like to encourage you to participate in this workshop and pitch your idea to other participants. If people vote to work on your idea, you will have the opportunity further develop your value proposition and business plan. Plus you will get a chance to work with other participants who can join your startup team.

How much time will I get to pitch my idea and what information should I include in my pitch?

You will get 60 secs to pitch your idea. You should start by introducing yourself. Next, you should describe what problem you plan to solve and the product idea you have in mind to solve the problem that leverages Blockchain technology. You should also have a name in mind for your startup so people can easily vote to join your team.

What are the rules for participating in this workshop?

Please refer to the Terms and Conditions outlined on our website.

Will the organizers own IP in any companies that are formed as a result of the Ideation Workshop?

No, the organizers will not own any IP or have any ownership interest in the resulting companies. Our goal is to encourage the formation of new tech companies in the Seattle area. Companies are, however, free to partner with TiE Seattle or Madrona Labs post the workshop if they wish to obtain help in incubating their company. In that case, they should apply to these programs and discuss the terms of such a partnership.

Will the organizers provide funding for any companies that emerge from the Ideation Workshop?

The organizers provide mentorship or incubation programs that can help jumpstart promising companies that emerge from the Ideation workshops. TiE Seattle offers a network of experienced entrepreneurs and industry executives to mentor companies. In addition, TiE Seattle also assists early stage companies raise funding through its TAGS (TiE Angel Group) program. Madrona Labs offers incubation programs that have successfully launched a number of companies that raised significant funding. These programs will be described in more detail at our event so startup teams can leverage these programs once they decide to move forward with company formation.

Have questions? Send us a note!