2019

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PROGRAM
3-14 JUNE , 2019 | SILICON VALLEY, CA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tap or click on a section to jump ahead

About This Program 3

A Few FAQs 4

Mentors and Speakers 5

Companies We Work With 6

What You’ll Learn 7

Highlights and Testimonials 8

How to Apply 9

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 ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Learn how to build a company in just two weeks—

the Silicon Valley way.

In this intensive startup program, you’ll learn entrepreneurship from

scratch—with guidance from Silicon Valley investors, VCs, entrepreneurs,
company leaders, and more. The program culminates with a pitch night,
where you’ll show off what you’ve learned to a panel of expert judges in
front of a live audience.

During this program, you will:

✓ Meet and work with like-minded entrepreneurs
✓ Build a complete, ready-to-pitch company in just two weeks
✓ Learn from mentors and executives from world-renowned companies
✓ Visit startup hubs, speak with founders, and gain knowledge and
practical insights
✓ Form lasting global connections through our multi-cultural, team-based
work environment

How it Works:
After a sixty-second pitch session with program participants, the Top Ten
startup ideas will be selected by a group vote. You’ll organize into teams,
match up with your favorite company, and get started building something
amazing!

You don’t have to have a startup idea to apply for UP, but we strongly
encourage it (you never know – today’s short pitch could become the next
big thing!).

GET STARTED!
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 A FEW FAQS

SHOULD I APPLY?

This program is intended for university students and

beginning entrepreneurs from around the world—no
matter what level or what degree you’re on! Whether
you already have the seeds of a startup idea or you’d
like the experience of being part of a company in the
US, this program will help you grow your skills,
knowledge, and style as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE

PROGRAM?

Working together in teams, you’ll learn the ins and

outs of building a modern startup, using a brand-new
idea as a case study. In conjunction with your startup
goals, you’ll learn Silicon Valley-style innovation and
entrepreneurship. You’ll connect with investors,
founders, and executives with a wealth of experience
Think you’re up to the and insights to share from their years spent in the
challenge? This might Valley’s unique business environment.
just might be the start
of something amazing. WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Sign up today! By the end of the program, you will
• Refine, validate, and actualize a startup idea
• Team up with like-minded individuals
• Experience a crash-course in startup life
GET STARTED! •
•
Gain an insider’s view into Silicon Valley life
Network with leaders and entrepreneurs
• Challenge yourself and grow your business
knowledge
Application Deadlines: • Meet Silicon Valley investors
You’ll also finish the program as a certified UP
Early Apply – 16 Dec. Participant—a potential highlight for resumes, college
General Apply – 31 Jan. applications, and personal profiles.
Late Apply – 15 Feb
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 MENTORS & SPEAKERS
STEVE GOLDBERG
Partner, Venrock
Steve joined Venrock in 2009 after
having been CEO of several early stage
companies. At Venrock, Steve focuses
on investments in connectivity,
M2M/Internet of Things, robotics and
embedded systems.
LEO BLEY
Director & Management
Consultant, PwC
Leo develops PwC businesses,
investments and opportunities with
the venture ecosystem. He also
advises investors, entrepreneurs
and enterprises on innovation and
disruptive opportunities.
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More to be announced
CHRIS YEH
General Partner,
Wasabi Ventures
Chris has been building Internet
businesses since 1995. He is a
General Partner at Wasabi
Ventures, a global venture fund,
startup incubator, and consulting
firm. Chris is an active angel
investor and startup advisor.
DEBRA BRACKEEN
Chief Strategy & Innovation
Officer, CSAA Insurance Group
Debra has more than 25 years of
leadership at innovative high-tech
companies, including Apple, Sun,
and eBay. Her experience in
business development and strategy
is enhanced by connections to the
VC and startup communities in
Silicon Valley.
TOMASZ KOLODZIEJAK
Technology Strategy,
Samsung
Tomasz has years of experience in
business development, sales and
partnerships at an early stage and
mid-size startup, as well as B2B
sales and partnerships experience
with big hotel brands, major
airlines, big public/private
universities.
DENYSE CARDOZO
CEO, Silicon Valley Forum
Denyse drives the goals and
strategy for Silicon Valley Forum,
with continued growth into
international markets and
innovation. She has coached
hundreds of startups through the
SVF pitch nights and programs.
DEBORAH MAGID
Director of Software Strategy,
IBM Venture Capital Group
Deborah Magid represents IBM’s
$25 B software business in the
company’s Venture Capital
Group. Her expertise spans
several industries, and she
brings insight from the venture
community to the development
of IBM’s growth strategies.
MICHAEL TOROSIAN
Partner, Pillsbury Law
Mike guides emerging
companies at all stages. He
represents private companies,
publicly traded companies, VC
firms and investment banks in
the high tech, renewable energy
& life sciences industries.
PURNIMA KOCHIKAR
Director, Google Play
Apps and Games
Purnima has over 20 years of
experience leading application
development, marketing and
technical-engineering management
for startups and leading mobile
companies.
JITENDRA KAVATHEKAR
CEO & Managing Partner,
Digital Sapience
Jitendra is a globally
credentialed senior executive of
companies from Fortune 500 to
trail blazing startups as
entrepreneur and business
operator. He is an active investor
and advisor to VC/PE fund.
KEVIN SURACE
CEO, Appvance.ai
Kevin Surace is a technology
innovator, speaker and
entrepreneur. He is the CEO of
Appvance, and was Inc. Magazine’s
2009 entrepreneur of the Year.
Kevin has been recognized multiple
5
times as an innovator and a
technology pioneer.
Companies We Work With

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 Curriculum
subject to change
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN—WEEK ONE:

• Workshop: Silicon Valley's Startup Ecosystem

• Workshop: Building a Business Plan

• Workshop: Market Research and Product Validation

• Workshop: Entrepreneurial Leadership

• Seminar: Business Communications and Cultural Communications

• Seminar: Finance 101 and Startup Fundraising

• Seminar: Growing Your Personal Brand

• Mentorship sessions: Business Development, Marketing, and Growth

• Networking Session with Startup Founders

• Two tech company visits: digital transformation and innovation strategy with
company leaders

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN—WEEK TWO:

• Seminar: Digital Marketing Trends

• Seminar: Design Thinking

• Workshop: How to Pitch to Silicon Valley Investors

• Workshop: Business Development and Sales

• Speaker Session on Emerging Technology

• Startup Pitch Practice: How to pitch and talk to a VC

• Mentorship Session for Startups: Networking and Building Bridges

• Two tech company visits: digital transformation and innovation strategy with
company leaders

• Preparation for final pitch presentation—how to pitch onstage to Silicon Valley

investors
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Highlights From Past Programs and Events What our program
alumni are saying:

“Excellent presentation
and information. They
provided several tools to
change or adjust the
approach, personally, in
the company where I
currently work.”

“Very good, structured

presentation showed me
new trends in data analysis
and tech solutions. Very
clear, good teacher."

“…rich agenda. Our

objectives were
accomplished. We learned
more about developing
tech platforms to bring
new services, and the way
the startups get funds,
gradually, for their
disruptive projects. Thanks,
everyone!”

“Program was really

very well organized
and executed. I
specifically liked the
composition / mix of
participants on the
tour, providing lots of
networking
opportunities. The
speeches and events
were also very good,
with a broad mix of
start-ups, Investors,
established
companies. “

“Muy buena
experiencia, mis
felicitaciones para los
Back to Top organizadores!!!” 8
 HOW TO APPLY
Just a few short steps.

This program is open to university students and

beginning entrepreneurs from any country. If your
application is selected, you are responsible for the
program fee of $4850, which covers:

• Tuition fees and program materials

• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
• Group dinner event
• One weekend excursion
• Personalized mentorship fees
• Accommodations and transportation*

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to

us at startUPinfo@siliconvalleyforum.com.

Click below to apply or head to

siliconvalleyforum.com/silicon-valley-start-up
*Transportation includes site visits only—airport and
extra/personal travel not included. All accommodations will
be double occupancy.

APPLY
Don’t wait – the early apply period ends
December 16th, 2018!
Regular apply: January 31st
Late apply: February 15th

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 A Note from Denyse
Silicon Valley Forum’s CEO
Welcome to our inaugural Silicon Valley Start-
UP program, an accelerated startup program
for entrepreneurial students from around the
world! Over two intense weeks here in Silicon
Valley (yes, that’s all!) you’ll learn all the ins
and outs and ups and downs of building a
startup company—the Silicon Valley way.

At the end of the two-week intensive course,

you’ll have all the tools and know-how you
need to get out there and start bringing your
dream to life.

Welcome to Silicon Valley. Let’s get started!

PROGRAM PARTNERS

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