Frequently Asked Questions
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete the mentor form, detailing your area of specialty.
Or simply email audrey@startupnv.org
We estimate that mentoring takes 2-4 hours per month for each company you mentor
The goal of StartUpNV is to help all scalable Nevada-based startups become successful. We provide mentoring, education, incubation, workspace, feedback, and access to capital. Up to 50 Member companies are incubating concurrently in our program.
We have an open-pitch policy – without any pre-screening. All companies / founders are welcome to pitch. Simply choose a time and day at https://startupnv.org/booking/.
Based upon our pitch day advisors’ evaluations, willingness to sponsor or mentor, and our ability to help the company, we offer invitations to join the program to about 1 in 15 who pitch.
Once accepted into the program, the Member is assigned a sponsor who acts as the coordinator, coach, and accountability partner – providing feedback, input, suggestions and recommendations. Sponsors also suggest mentors and next steps.
Member companies pay $100/month. Plus, they pledge 1% of their equity to fund our 501(c)3 non-profit incubation program over the long term. Since the equity has no real value until a liquidity event, all interests are aligned.
Since the inaugural companies were admitted into the program in the summer of 2017, we’ve heard more than 125 pitches, have had 25+ member companies through the program, and 6 member companies have raised more than $3.5 million! Take a look at our current roster Member start-up companies.
Yes! Once you’ve volunteered to mentor a member company, you and the founder(s) work out the details of time and place together.
Yes. You decide which companies and how much time you want to devote to our Members. You can stop mentoring a specific company or leave our program anytime.
Sponsors act as an overall coordinator, coach, and accountability partner to their sponsored company(s). Sponsors also recommend mentors and coordinate next steps in raising capital. Mentor roles are focused on specialty advising in the Mentor’s area of expertise.
Schedule time at the Innevation Center through maggie@startupnv.org
As of mid-2018, StartUpNV manages the VMS program in Northern Nevada which was started by Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) in 2009. While StartUpNV focuses on scalable startups throughout Nevada – (for a fee and equity), the VMS program focuses on regional startups of any size (for free), provided there are mentors interested in helping.
The MIT Venture Mentoring Service (MIT VMS) was founded in 2000 after two successful MIT-affiliated serial entrepreneurs – the late Professor David Staelin and alumnus Alexander Dingee – independently approached Provost Robert Brown with similar proposals to remedy a gap in how the university supports emerging entrepreneurial ventures.
The StartUpNV program is physically located at Innevation in both Northern (Reno) and Southern (Las Vegas) Nevada.
Las Vegas | Rob Roy’s Innevation, Powered by Switch
Reno | The University of Nevada, Reno, Innevation Center, Powered by Switch
StartUp NV is a 501(c)3 devoted to startups. As a non-profit, we depend upon donations to support our mission. https://startupnv.org/donate/
StartUpNV was founded because there was just one incubator in Nevada (in Carson City) – and no other incubation services in Reno, Las Vegas or serving the rural areas.
The founders wanted the types of programs and mentorship it offers to be available throughout Nevada to build and diversify the Nevada economy through a robust startup community. StartUpNV was founded and is run by people who have started, built, and successfully exited companies throughout the US. They’ve been in the trenches and have experienced the same struggles any startup will face.
Founder Resources
Founder Resources
- All
- Accelerator Program
- Angel Investor
- Blog Posts
- Branding for Startups
- Business Experts
- Business Incubator
- Business Virtual Incubators
- Early Stage Entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneur Bootcamp
- Event
- Finance
- Financial Planning
- Founder Resources
- General Resources
- Incubator
- Investors
- Legal
- Market
- Marketing
- Marketing Research
- Mentors
- Partners
- Pitch Deck
- Public Relations
- Seed Funding
- Social Media Marketing Services
- Social Networking
- Software Developer Startups
- Startup Accelerator
- Startup Challenges
- Startup for Investors
- Startup Incubator
- Startup Mentors
- Startup Metrics
- Startups
- Successful Startups
- Types of Angel Investors
- Vendors
- Venture Capital
- Venture Capital Funding
StartupNV Sample Pitch Deck
Don’t know where to start with your pitch deck? Want to make sure your message is being relayed to investors clearly? Use this sample pitch …
TechDevNV
We are pleased to offer TechDevNV for all of your software development needs!
HubSpot for Startups
HubSpot for Startups is a program that helps seed-stage startups grow and scale with marketing and sales software and education.
Carta
Carta gets you started with cap table management, issuing employee stock options, raising your first round of funding Carta builds software for companies, investors, law …
Amazon Web Services
AWS Activate provides startups with a host of benefits, including AWS credits, AWS support plan credits, and architecture guidance to help grow your business. Activate …
Brex
Payment and Startup Banking Services Credit cards, deposits, payments, expenses, and accounting all in one place to keep you in control of your growth. StartupNV …
SAGE
SAGE SAGE is a statewide program offered through the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The program is funded by …
Visible VC
Tools for startups to easily update investors, track KPI’s, and manage a fundraise in one place. For the first 6 months you can get 90% …
Intro to Raising Angel Capital Part 3: Is Your “Use of Funds” Fundable?
Is Your “Use of Funds” Fundable? Justification for investment funding and where to spend it is important. Learn the science, math and how to demonstrate …
Valuation of Early Stage with Kristen Fox
Business valuation for early stage companies, a presentation by Kristen Fox at the Women Dreamers and Believers Conference. Click here to view
StartupNV Founder Reading List
A reading list curated by StartUpNV’s board members and mentors, including books about management, customers, and finance, but also life skills and self help topics. …
Business Model Canvas
A business model canvas is a visual tool to craft powerful business models. Click on the image to be redirected to build a business model canvas.
Intro to Raising Angel Capital Part 1: The Investor Pitch Deck
The Investor Pitch Deck. Learn the 12 topics a founder/entrepreneur should cover in a 10 or 20 minute initial pitch to angel or venture investors.
Intro to Raising Angel Capital Part 2: Building a Great Investor Summary
Building a Great Investor Summary. Learn to build an Investor Summary – not an Executive Summary. Answer just enough of what an angel investor wants …
The Art of Storytelling for your Startup
Greg Gibson co-founder and CEO at Metadata Mechanics — with long experience raising money for his startups, explains how creating a 1 minute story about …
Startup Pitch Video
This video covers how to create a startup pitch deck for investors. Dig deep into the standard pitch deck outline most companies are using these …
Product Market Fit
David Rusenko, Co-founder of Weebly (YC W07), details the story of how Weebly developed one of the most popular website creation and hosting sites on …
How to Talk to Users – Y Combinator
Y Combinator Partner Eric Migicovsky shares a framework for asking questions and collecting feedback from your users. Watch this if: You haven’t started talking to …
Intro to Term Sheet Terminology
There is a lot of mystifying language and terminology used by experienced founders, investors, term sheets, and investing documents. But, it all revolves around just …
Seraf Compass Deal Terms
The Term Sheet is the document that starts it all. Crafting a term sheet is how most of the real negotiation between investors and company …
TAM SAM SOM – How to Prepare and Present Market Potential to Investors
StartUpNV teaches you to understand how and what you need to show investors about your market, TAM/SAM/SOM. Utilize additional resources to help round out your …
Funding Your New Business
One of the main challenges founders face when starting their own business is raising capital. Startup founders can often be overwhelmed when faced with the …
The Journey Of An Entrepreneur Panelist Discussion – January 11th Sip & Learn
The Business Model Canvas is a strategic tool that outlines the nine core elements of your business model. This presentation will cover how you can …
Cara O’Hare on the Business Model Canvas – January Lunch n Learn
The Business Model Canvas is a strategic tool that outlines the nine core elements of your business model. This presentation will cover how you can …
Pitch Day for $100k (Jan 25, Feb 8, 22)
See 2 companies pitch for acceptance into the StartUpNV accelerator – and the $100,000 investment from FundNV that comes with it. The public is invited to attend …
AngelNV Investor Bootcamp Begins Jan 24, 2023
AngelNV 3 is here! The twelve week bootcamp that teaches how to invest in startups is back! Beginning on January 24th with a half day …
“Imitation is not the sincerest form of flattery: Protecting Intellectual Property” by Craig Macy | November Lunch & Learn
Attend our next Lunch & Learn hosted by Craig Macy Wednesday, November 9th, 12pm Event Details Join us on November 9th for an overview of …
Enabling Today’s Era of Prosperous PropTech in the Commercial Real Estate Sector
By: Shreyans Parekh Director, Corporate Development and Ventures at Fortune 200 Commercial Real Estate Firm Commercial real estate (CRE) property technology has transformed dramatically over the …
Creating Value in Companies Through Communications
By: Andy Abramson CEO, Comunicano Too often, the importance and value of external communications – be it public relations, social media, or event participation – is …
Lunch & Learn: Bill West “The Thick Stench of Marketing… and How to Cut Through it”
Come to our next Lunch & Learn hosted by Bill West Wednesday August 10th, 12pm Event Details Join us August 10th to have a discussion …
Matthew Starrett: “Think Like a Marketer – Using Analytics to Make Impactful Decisions”
Come to our next Lunch & Learn hosted by Matthew StarrettWednesday, September 14th, 12pm Event Details In this presentation, you will learn how to …
August Mentor Mixers
On Wednesday August 10th and August 24th we hosted our first quarterly mixers of the year in Reno and Las Vegas! We love our mentors …
Sip & Learn | Faye Almeshaan | Community as a Growth Strategy – September 14th
RSVP Founders and Startup Community! Join us for a Sip & Learn with Faye Almeshaan and hear how you can use Community as a Growth Strategy for …
Maggie Saling: Understanding TAM SAM SOM | Reno, NV
Reno Lunch ‘n’ Learn | June 8th, 2022 What will I learn? In this discussion, we’ll visit some bad and good examples of a critical …
Investments and New $10M Seed Fund Announced
Asset tracking maker, SeeID wins $200,000 investment from AngelNV New $10 million venture capital fund, SeedNV, announced LAS VEGAS – At the annual AngelNV …
Tips for Female Entrepreneurs in a Male Dominated Investor World
By Maggie Saling, Chief of Staff and Communications Director for StartUpNV Female entrepreneurs should include in their pitch decks for investors the very same information …
Mark Stiving: Pricing a New Product | Reno, NV
Reno Lunch ‘n’ Learn | May 11, 2022 featuring Mark Stiving Buy an in-person ticket Buy an online ticket What will I learn? You’re ready …
Maggie Saling: Understanding TAM SAM SOM | Reno, NV – Copy
Reno Lunch n Learn (4/5/22) featuring Catherine Oaks! Reach a receptive, unsaturated audience in the metaverse! In Horizon Worlds and Workrooms, Sliice builds virtual spaces …
StartUpNV | Sip & Learn – Why Most Startups Fail & How to Be in the Top 10% – Stephen J. Ritch
RSVP In this presentation, Stephen will speak on why 90% of product startups fail and the steps you can take to ensure you’re venture …
Six Nevada-based startups advance to final round for AngelNV investment
Six Nevada-based startups advance to final round for AngelNV investment One company to receive at least $200,000 from local angel investors LAS VEGAS – Operated by …
The ABCs of Scaling Your Business
The ABCs of Scaling Your Business There’s a lot of debate around what is considered the hardest part of growing your business, but what we …
Amy Looper
Linkedin Location: Outside Nevada Career Experience: Sales Industry Experience: B2C: Consumer Products & Services, B2B: Business Or Enterprise Products & Professional Services Experience And Industry …
Andrew Wise
Linkedin Location: San Francisco Bay Area Career Experience: N/A Industry Experience: N/A Experience And Industry Summary: N/A
Andy Abramson
Linkedin Location: Las Vegas Career Experience: Strategic Communications, Marketing Industry Experience: B2C: Consumer Products & Services, B2B: Business Or Enterprise Products & Professional Services, Tech Products: …
Andy Gangon
Linkedin Location: Reno Career Experience: Sales, Operations, Finance Industry Experience: B2C: Consumer Products & Services Experience And Industry Summary: 20 Years Of Experience Leading Teams From 4 …
Atul Minocha
Linkedin Location: Reno Career Experience: Marketing, Pricing Industry Experience: N/A Experience And Industry Summary: I am a Partner and CMO at Chief Outsiders, author, investor, and speaker.
Bill Slikkerveer
Linkedin Location: Reno Career Experience: Operations, Finance Industry Experience: Investments | Insurance | Real Estate | Banking | Financial Services Experience And Industry Summary: Bill is on …
Bob Farrar
Linkedin Location: Reno Career Experience: Sales, Marketing, Technical Deveopment, Operations Industry Experience: B2B: Business Or Enterprise Products & Professional Services, Tech Products: IoT & Other Technology …
Brittany Rohr
Linkedin Location: Las Vegas Career Experience: Sales Industry Experience: B2C: Consumer Products & Services Experience And Industry Summary: N/A
Bryan McArdle
Linkedin Location: N/A Career Experience: N/A Industry Experience: N/A Experience And Industry Summary: N/A
Chris Riche
Linkedin Location: Reno Career Experience: Operations, Technical Development, Finance, Marketing Industry Experience: N/A Experience And Industry Summary: Professionally, I love building, leading, and working across high-performing …
Chris Yount
Linkedin Location: Reno Career Experience: Marketing, Operations Industry Experience: B2C: Consumer Products & Services, B2B: Business Or Enterprise Products & Professional Services Experience And Industry Summary: Areas …
Chuck DeVita
Linkedin Location: N/A Career Experience: N/A Industry Experience: N/A Experience And Industry Summary: N/A
Achieving Maximum Results Through Investor Relations Best Practices
Investor relations (IR) is an essential part of a company’s success. It establishes trust between the company and its investors, providing them with accurate information …
How Do Startup Incubators Work
Starting a business is not an easy feat — it requires serious planning, lots of hard work and time, and usually some financial support and …
The Power of an Entrepreneurial Mindset Characteristics
It’s no secret that an entrepreneurial mindset is essential for business success. But what are the specific entrepreneurial mindset characteristics a founder must have to …
Building A Strong Brand: The Importance Of Branding For Startups
The foundation of any successful business is its brand – it sets companies apart and gives them staying power. Branding helps businesses tap into potential …
The Key Elements of Crafting a Winning Pitch for Investors
Are you an entrepreneur trying to pitch your startup business to investors? If so, crafting a winning pitch for investors is essential for success. This …
Explore the Top Business Accelerators for Growth
Are you a budding entrepreneur dreaming of launching your startup? Then it’s time to take on the characteristics and qualities that make successful entrepreneurs. It …
Top Business Accelerators: Characteristics of Successful Startup Founders
Are you a budding entrepreneur dreaming of launching your startup? Then it’s time to take on the characteristics and qualities that make successful entrepreneurs. It …
Business Angel Investors Advantages and Disadvantages
Are you considering investing in a business? Because many startup founders seek ways and alternatives to get their businesses off the ground and into the …
Venture Capital Advantages and Disadvantages in Business
Working capital is an important source of finance for businesses, especially startups. It can bring a good amount of fresh capital to help founders launch …
Accelerating Your Success: Exploring the Benefits of Accelerator Programs
Accelerator programs are a great way for startups to get up and running quickly. They provide expert guidance, mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities that can …
Justin Steele
Linkedin Location: Las Vegas Career Experience: Operations, Technical Development Industry Experience: Justin is an entrepreneur and executive with an extensive back ground in launching new …
Chris Guenther
Linkedin Location: Reno Career Experience: Operations, Manufacturing Industry Experience: My entire career has been focused on high tech manufacturing and operations. I have worked in …
Christopher Peters
Linkedin Location: Las Vegas Career Experience: Finance, Accounting Industry Experience: R&D Consultant in taxes at KPMG. Large and small businesses. Most startup experience is through …
Yanmin Ro Zhu Howard
Linkedin Location: Las Vegas Career Experience: Finance, Accounting Industry Experience: CPA Auditor, accounting, bookkeeping, financial reporting. Guidelines on how to set up books and create …
Social Media Marketing Strategies for Early-Stage Startups
Are you a startup seeking to take your business to the next level? Social media marketing is one of the effective ways to reach new …
How to Overcome Startup Challenges Faced by Entrepreneurs
Are you an entrepreneur looking for strategies to overcome the challenges of starting up? Starting a business can be difficult, which makes understanding how to …
Startup Metrics And Due Diligence: Best Practices For Investors
Understanding startup metrics with due diligence is essential to making informed decisions as an investor. Knowing the best practices for assessing potential investments can help …
The Different Types of Angel Investors: Understanding Their Investment Styles and Objectives
Are you an entrepreneur who is looking for capital to grow your business? If so, the chances are high that you have heard about angel …
Eric Echelmyer
Linkedin Location: Las Vegas Career Experience: Finance, Accounting Industry Experience: I have worked in IT services for the past 8 years with roles in finance, …
Marketing Research’s Role in Startup Success
Market research is an essential tool businesses can use to gain insight into their target markets, competition, and overall industry trends. This data helps inform …
Benefits of Social Networking in Business
Social networking has become an essential part of modern life which promts business to use it to their advantage thanks to its potential benefits. Leveraging …
Understanding the Different Stages of Venture Capital Funding
Venture capital (VC) funding is complex yet invaluable when raising money for startups or other growth-stage companies. It’s essential to recognize its various components, from …
5 Ways a Startup Incubator Can Help You Grow Your Business
Do you have a great business idea but need to know how to make it work? Starting your own business can be overwhelming and stressful …
How Virtual Business Incubators Give Your Business An Advantage
Are you looking for ways to give your business a competitive edge? Virtual business incubators help entrepreneurs access cutting-edge technology, resources, and networking opportunities to …
Reasons Why Every Entrepreneur Needs a Mentor
Many successful entrepreneurs credit their mentors for helping them reach new heights in their businesses and careers. Being mentored by someone more experienced than yourself …
Benefits of Attending an Entrepreneur Bootcamp
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur aiming to start your own business? Are you feeling uncertain and unsure of where to begin? Attending an entrepreneur boot …
How a Startup Accelerator Can Help You Scale Your Business
Are you an entrepreneur looking to elevate your business to the next level? Scaling a business can be challenging, especially without the right resources and …
Why Every Startup Founder Needs a Mentor
Do you dream of starting your own business but find yourself needing help with the challenges? Do you worry about making costly mistakes or missing …
Steps to Starting a Successful Business in Nevada
Are you dreaming of starting a successful business in Nevada? Well, you’re in the right place! Nevada is known for its favorable business climate, low …
Beware the Carpetbaggers & Scalawags by Jeff Saling
Carpetbaggers come to town selling something sketchy (of dubious value) to “take” from locals without any intent of sticking around. Scalawags are their local enablers …
What to Look For in an Angel Investor Near Me
Are you an entrepreneur looking for funding to bring your business idea to life? If so, you may be considering working with an angel investor. …
Advice for Entrepreneurs Raising Venture Capital by Jeff Saling
It’s simple to raise money from venture investors… once you understand how venture investors think. Like any group, investors are not all the same – …
The Benefits of Consulting with a Business Expert
Are you struggling to make important business decisions? Are you looking for ways to improve your company’s efficiency and profitability? If so, consulting with a …
How to Find Seed Funding for Your New Business
Starting a new business can be an exciting and rewarding venture, but it often requires significant funding to get off the ground. With a solid …
Building A Strong Brand Identity: Tips For Early Stage Entrepreneurs
As an early-stage entrepreneur, building a strong brand identity is crucial to the success of your business. Your brand identity sets you apart from competitors …
Strategies for Effective Business Financial Planning
In today’s rapidly changing and intensely competitive business world, effective financial planning is crucial for the success and sustainability of any organization. As businesses strive …
What Are the Top Three Causes Why Startups Fail?
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, startups emerge with dreams of success and innovation. However, the harsh reality is that many of them face an …
How Software Developer Startups Drive Change
Software developer startups have been at the forefront of driving change in various industries, revolutionizing the way businesses operate and improving lives. These startups play …
Key Considerations When Choosing the Right Business Incubator for Startups
Business incubators play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of startups by providing them with resources, mentoring, and networking opportunities. However, choosing …
How to Invest in Startups
Investing in startups can be a thrilling and potentially rewarding venture, providing opportunities to support innovative ideas and participate in the growth of groundbreaking companies. …
The Ultimate Guide to Finding Angel Investors in Las Vegas
Are you an entrepreneur in Las Vegas looking for angel investors to fund your business venture? Look no further! In this article, we will provide …
Sevans PR
Sevans PR is a strategic communications agency, committed to powering your brand moments. They are a leader in Las Vegas reputation & management, getting stories …
Summer Reflections and Opportunities for Nevada Startups and Investors
6 summers ago, StartUpNV made its “public debut” on August 18, 2017 at the Nevada Governor’s Conference on Business where we watched and cheered as …