What is StartupWeekend?
This 54-hour event sees teams go from an idea scrawled on a napkin to a working prototype and maybe even paying customers, all within a single weekend. Participants gain many transferable benefits such as sharpened critical thinking, building connections and experience with focussed productivity. Startup Weekends are a global phenomenon with events being held in 700+ cities across the world; in New Zealand alone, events have been held in Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Christchurch, Queenstown, Invercargill and of course DUNEDIN! A video snapshot of StartupWeekend 2018 is attached.
When: 5-7th April 2019
Venue: Otago Polytechnic Student Hub
Who is StartupWeekend for?
Developers, designers, business people, product managers, and startup enthusiasts, really anyone curious about whether they could create a business in a weekend. You don't even have to be an entrepreneur! Startup weekend has participants from all walks of life ranging from students to educators, bankers to doctors, even retirees! Worried you don't have the skills? That is why we have experienced mentors here to guide you (and Startup Weekends are about learning anyway). Too young/old? We have had participants as young as 12 and as old as 70 (not kidding!), so you're sweet!
Why give up a weekend, or pay for you and your staff to attend?
Over the years we have sent and supported staff to participate in StartupWeekend. In our experience, those who attend not only challenge themselves but ultimately gain greater confidence, take risks more freely, have a greater appreciation for one another's roles and expertise and, most importantly, grow closer together.
If you want to know more about the Firebrand team's experiences at StartupWeekend check out Big Ideas, Bottle Openers and Bike lights (2017). Startup Weekend #swdud reflection (2016) and Startup Weekend - Blood, sweat and a few tears (2015).
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, follow the StartupWeekend Dunedin Facebook page, register now on Eventbrite and get on board for StartupWeekend 2019. We hope to see you there!
PS: StartupWeekend Dunedin is still looking for sponsors so if your business can help out please get in touch.