In late 2015, I was deep into research, flurrying through both Irish and US startup ecosystem framework. I had repeatedly come across Kauffman Foundation resources. I had also read up on 1 Million Cups, and I told myself that I had to attend one, somewhere, beginning in 2016. "1 Million Cups is a free, national program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs. Developed by the Kauffman Foundation, 1MC is based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and network over a million cups of coffee." Roughly 100 hours into 2016, I was chatting with Ben McDougal, emcee of 1 Million Cups Des Moines. His encouragement helped KinoSol to go through the quick registration process, and before we knew it, we were presenting a week later. With roughly 40 people attending, we were able to pitch to an audience that included both beginning and veteran entrepreneurs, investors, educators, community builders, and connectors, from various locations. We received valuable feedback, and ultimately made connections that led to new partnerships. Elise, Myself, Mikayla, Ella - a quick mango pose After attending a 1 Million Cups, we were anxious to make it back as often as possible. Leading up to Young Entrepreneur Convention, I knew the YEC team should present. Sure enough, April came around, and we were able to present on the week of YEC. Everything went well, as the YEC vision and details were delivered to almost 50 people; some of whom committed to going, later that day. Pete, Myself, Chris, Amanda, Brandon - 5 of the 7 founders, all ready for a BIG week That was our final push to get people to join the movement, for the first-ever Young Entrepreneur Convention. YEC set the bar high. We're the largest entrepreneurial convention in Iowa for 2016, and we're happy that we could deliver value to attendees from all over the world. A closer look at the YEC stats After 2 successful 1MC presentations, I was ready for more. KinoSol is always ready. The awesome community builders and startup enthusiasts in Eastern Iowa shared and nudged us about presenting at 1 Million Cups Iowa City/Cedar Rapids. So we did. Just as the semester at Iowa State University came to a close, we got on the road at 6 am on a Wednesday morning, and drove straight to downtown Iowa City. The atmosphere was different and awesome. It was an entirely new group of people wanting to hear KinoSol's story, ask questions, provide thoughts, connections, and insights. We absorbed everything, built up more support, and made sure to toss out a few KinoSol t shirts before getting back on the road. Elise, Mikayla, Ella, Myself - answering questions from an entirely new crowd Back in December of 2015, I had no idea what to expect from a 1 Million Cups.
But, coming from a 3-and-half-year career in online poker, I know that sample size helps paint a clear picture of how you're really doing (especially after you play close to 40,000 online tournaments). So the way I see it, the more 1 Million Cups you can get to, and present at, the better chance you're going to have of validating your startup in its earlier stages. In closing, it should be noted that it's okay if you don't drink coffee. I haven't had a caffeinated beverage since February 13 of 2009. They don't discriminate. Get out there. Find YOUR 1 Million Cups!
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