REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Contents
Text for Website for Event ............................................................................................................................ 2 The Events ................................................................................................................................................. 2 REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Thursday and Friday, May 5 and 6 ................................................. 2 REC@nnect Demo Day - Saturday, May 7 ............................................................................................ 2 Startup Experts.......................................................................................................................................... 2 REC@nnect Experts............................................................................................................................... 2 Nepals Startup Leaders (name them what you will)............................................................................ 3 Get Involved .............................................................................................................................................. 3 Are you an entrepreneur based in Nepal?............................................................................................ 3 Would you like to be a local mentor? ................................................................................................... 3 Interested in Watching the Venture Pitches during Demo Day?.......................................................... 3 Interested in Sponsoring the event?..................................................................................................... 3 REC@nnect Mentorship............................................................................................................................ 4 Mentorship at the event ....................................................................................................................... 4 REC@nnect Global Mentorship Program ............................................................................................. 4 Preparation for REC@nnect Mentorship .............................................................................................. 4 Venture Pitching ....................................................................................................................................... 4 The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Venture Pitch Tournament Structure ......................................... 5 So, you're pitching what to do? ......................................................................................................... 5 Venture Pitch General Evaluation Criteria ............................................................................................ 5 Preparing for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp ................................................................................... 6 Make a strong application .................................................................................................................... 6 Familiarize yourself with topics the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp will cover .................................. 6 Create your elevator pitch .................................................................................................................... 7 Create a venture pitch .......................................................................................................................... 7 Boiler Plate Language.................................................................................................................................... 7 Outreach Partner Letter................................................................................................................................ 7 Email to Individual Entrepreneurs ................................................................................................................ 9 Email soliciting local mentors ..................................................................................................................... 11 Blog Post/Press Release about Event ......................................................................................................... 12 Letter to media partners ............................................................................................................................. 13 Sample Social Media Posts.......................................................................................................................... 14 Sponsor Outreach Letter............................................................................................................................. 14 1

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Text for Website for Event

The Events
REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Thursday and Friday, May 5 and 6
A new generation of entrepreneurs is quickly rising up in South and Central Asia. REC@nnect, in partnership with Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal, is seeking out The regions most promising tech startups to participate in the upcoming REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal on Thursday-Friday, May 5-6, 2014. At the event, entrepreneurs will get a chance to attend the entrepreneurial training, receive mentoring designed to spark innovative thinking, and present their venture in a pitching tournament, all to accelerate among technology ventures in Nepal. The main components of the Startup Boot Camp will include: Interactive entrepreneurship training by US entrepreneurs and investors to a community of entrepreneurs from 40 top South and Central Asian tech startups. One-on-one mentoring to help entrepreneurs refine go-to market and develop investor presentations and elevator pitches. Three-month, post-event virtual mentorship for the top five finalists of the venture pitch tournament.

REC@nnect Demo Day - Saturday, May 7

On May 7th, Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal and CRDF Global invites you to attend REC@nnect Demo Day where the top 10 startups from South and Central Asia will pitch their business ideas and receive feedback from a panel of venture capitalists, angel investors and accomplished entrepreneurs. Demo Day is open to entrepreneurial and investment communities as well as stakeholders involved in entrepreneurial ecosystem building in Nepal. Register Here

Startup Experts
REC@nnect Experts
Dr. Charles Eesley, Assistant Professor, Stanford University, Department of Management Science and Engineering Dr. Eesleys research and teaching interests focus on institutions and technology entrepreneurship. In particular, his research focuses on the determinants of high-growth, innovative firm creation across institutional contexts; examining how the environment influences entrepreneurs and firms. He received the 2010 Best Dissertation Award in the Business Policy and Strategy Division of the Academy of Management and am recipient of the 2007 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundations Dissertation Fellowship award. His work has been generously funded by Sequoia Capital, the Kauffman Foundation, the MIT Entrepreneurship Center and Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP). He earned a B.S. from Duke University and doctorate from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Sherwood Neiss, Co-author of the JOBS Act (Crowdfunding Framework),

Author of the definitive book on Crowdfunding and Founder of Crowdfund Capital Advisors (CCA)

Sherwood Neiss is a three-time Inc. 500 winner and understands how to incubate ideas, mentor them and match funding to winning ones. He is one of the most powerful champions and thought leaders for Crowdfund Investing (CFI) in the world and continues to lead the campaign to educate the world on how to harness the multi-billion dollar crowdfunding movement. He is a motivational speaker talking about the trials of entrepreneurship, passing a bill through US Congress and leading a global movement. Sherwood has testified in front of the US Congress, presented at South by Southwest (Austin, Texas), World Economic Forum (New York, NY), Global Entrepreneurship Forum (Istanbul, Turkey), and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (Dubai, UAE). His upcoming book, Crowdfunomics How Crowdfund Investing will Transforms Global Communities Locally is currently in development.

Nepals Startup Leaders (name them what you will)

List bios and pictures of mentors as you confirm them.

Get Involved
Are you an entrepreneur based in Nepal?
We are currently accepting applications from tech entrepreneurs located in South and Central Asia. Entrepreneurs we select have tech ventures less than three years old in the fields of agriculture, health care, energy and ICT (including web and mobile technology). The ventures generally have a demo, prototype or are already serving the market, but have received revenue and funding less than $1 million USD. One team member from each selected venture will be invited to attend. Deadline to apply is April 7. Apply Here

Would you like to be a local mentor?

Local mentors are leaders in their community who are based in Nepal and who have launched or ran their own companies and are interested in connecting with and sharing advice with up and coming entrepreneurs from their region. Register Here

Interested in Watching the Venture Pitches during Demo Day?

The entire entrepreneurial community is invited to register to attend the REC@nnect Demo Day to view the top 10 ventures, and participate in conversations about encouraging entrepreneurship in Kathmandu and beyond. Registration is limited, so sign up now. Register Here

Interested in Sponsoring the event?

The event cannot be made possible without many generous sponsors. Show your organizations commitment to entrepreneurship by becoming a sponsor. There are many ways.

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet For more information on the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp program, including resources to prepare for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camps, please see the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp information page.

REC@nnect Mentorship
Mentorship at the event
Personalized mentorship is a key component of the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp. Mentorship will be provided to the thirty startups who are selected to attend the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp. During the boot camp mentors are matched with an entrepreneur for a 30-60 minute mentorship session. This session can help the entrepreneur prepare for the pitching tournament or for other situations their venture is facing.

REC@nnect Global Mentorship Program

The top 5 entrepreneurs from the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp in Nepal will receive ongoing mentorship. After the competition, the top five entrepreneurs will be invited to apply for the REC@nnect Global Mentorship Program. Then REC@nnect Staff will match an entrepreneur with a mentor who has skills or insights that would be useful to the entrepreneur. Mentorship is for 3 months, at the rate of 1 hour per month. The mentorship can take place as two 30 minute sessions per month, or one one-hour session. This is at the discretion of the entrepreneur and the mentor. Mentorship will occur virtually.

Preparation for REC@nnect Mentorship

Here are some general tips to make sure your venture is ready to take advantage of mentorship that REC@nnect offers. 1) Qualify for the mentorship: As mentorship opportunities are limited to around 40 ventures, this means that you will have to make the most of your application for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp to increase your opportunity of being selected. Make sure to include thoughtful and through (yet concise) descriptions of your company and its plans in the application process. 2) Prepare to communicate your ideas: Before a mentor can spot any ways to give you guidance, they need to understand the product or service you sell, and where you are at this moment. Preparing a 5 minute presentation to introduce the ideas to them may be helpful. Also, sprucing up your 30 second elevator pitch can help frame the conversation you have during mentorship, even before you get into details of a presentation. 3) List three points you want to cover during mentorship: By this point, after preparing documents and presentations, you should be critically thinking and able to list a few points you want to cover with your mentor. During the mentorship session, the conversation will likely veer in unpredictable directions (which is good, as you will learn more than you bargained for) but having a list of topics you specifically want to cover will also help you ensure a productive conversation.

Venture Pitching
Venture Pitching is a central component at the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp. The top 40 entrepreneurs pitch during round one of a two-round venture pitching competition during the Boot Camp. However, pitching is important to any entrepreneur, no matter the stage of their company. 4

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet Many techniques to create and improve venture pitches will be covered during day one of the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp.

The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Venture Pitch Tournament Structure

First Round: Three Rooms of 10 ventures each will pitch to a panel of 2-4 judges. The format will be a total of 10 minute, with approximately 5 minutes for the presentation and 5 minutes for Q&A and comments from the judges. After ten ventures have pitched, judges deliberate and the top 2 - 4 ventures from each room (depending on the boot camp) will be selected to pitch in the final pitching round. In Kathmandu, there will be 10 ventures pitching in the final round, so 2 or 3 ventures from each room will be selected. Final round: The venture pitching will be held during REC@nnect Demo Day, and will be the great event that brings the entrepreneurial crowd together. Friends, family members, local organizations and angel investors are invited to cheer on the top entrepreneurs as they pitch. Each entrepreneur has again a total of 10 minutes on stage, with approximately 5 minutes of presentation and 5 minutes of Q&A. The size of the judging panel may vary, but will range from 3-6 judges.

So, you're pitching what to do?

1) Get a PowerPoint presentation together. See preparing for the boot camp for more hints and templates. 2) Bring any working prototypes or examples, if applicable. 3) Practice your pitch so you end at 5 minutes. It is better to end your presentation a little short and with composure, than to be cut off for going on the longer side. 4) Attend the first day of the boot camp and take note. Many topics covered may not only help you better structure your pitch, but may actually offer you insight to improve the direction and mission of your business overall.

Venture Pitch General Evaluation Criteria

The Pitch criteria is listed below. Judges generally take a holistic approach, thinking about how they feel about your venture after the entire time is up. Value Proposition Problem is clearly stated Solution is clearly stated Business goal is stated Business model is clearly stated Management team has appropriate skills Market & competition understanding is demonstrated Marketing and sales approach is clear Likelihood of Success Project is scalable Financials are realistic Judges believe there is a market for the company Proven track record of success Partnerships that will lead to success 5

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet Presentation Skills Professional look & feel to presentation Useful and effective text Useful and effective graphics Maintained interest Q&A Skills Ability to understand panel questions Substantive answers Honest about lack of information Direct and clear responses Relaxed and assured Thinks effectively on the spot

Preparing for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp

Congratulations! Youve decided to participate in the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp and take this great step to improve your business and your role in success. In order to maximize the two days of the startup boot camp and the Demo Day, you should seek to: 1) Make a strong application 2) Familiarize yourself with topics the Boot Camp will cover 3) Create your elevator pitch 4) Create a pitch for your venture

Make a strong application

Though the registration form for the REC@nnect Startup boot camp is simple, you should be aware of its purpose and maximize the opportunities that your responses can help you attain. The registration asks simple questions about the name and purpose of your company and the website, if there is one. You should take the time to refine a 1-5 sentence description of your company to clearly illustrate what you are producing. There is an optional area for you to provide more details about your business. Here you may write a bit about your operations, team members, any successes or milestones reached. The REC@nnect Boot Camp is offered to as many entrepreneurs as possible, but there are constraints on space. For the first and second day we have a capacity of 40 ventures. We will use the descriptions you provide to us in the application to select the top 40 ventures. Therefore it is in your interest to clearly describe your venture.

Familiarize yourself with topics the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp will cover
On the REC@nnect Initiative website there are three presentations straight from the MIT Sloan School of Business that cover entrepreneurial basics. These slides will help you become familiar with the vocabulary and concepts, and also prepare you to ask sophisticated questions that will help you take your business to the next level. The slides will also prepare you as you seek to create or improve your venture presentation. View the slides here: http://gist.crdfglobal.org/innovator%27s-corner/toolkit

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Create your elevator pitch

Communicating about your venture is key in building partnerships and gaining customers, and is even more crucial during the startup boot camp when you will be surrounded by dozens of mentors, entrepreneurs and potential partners. The elevator pitch will excite others about your venture and open conversations. We suggest you create a 30-60 second elevator pitch. There are two great articles that introduce the structure and some strategies for preparing your elevator pitch: Create the perfect elevator pitch to an Angel Investor Creating the unforgettable elevator pitch

Create a venture pitch

Preparing the venture pitch is an exercise in thinking about your business and communicating the complexities and goals of your company. Having a pitch prepared will give you a base for which you can apply the knowledge from the Boot Camp. For the boot camp venture pitching tournament, pitches should last 5 minutes and have an accompanying PowerPoint slideshow. Please see the venture pitch PowerPoint template we have listed here to help get you started, or to double check against a presentation you may have already completed. You are free to use the template as is, or to change or add anything you like, this is only a suggested template you may use, and your pitch can ultimately take on any form you choose.

Boiler Plate Language

About CRDF Global: CRDF Global is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to international scientific and technical collaboration and training. It has more than 16 years of experience supporting technology entrepreneurs and implementing international research, development and innovation programs in over 40 countries. This includes organization of more than 65 technology commercialization competitions, seven interactive international video conferences, 7 webinars and on-line trainings and 12 Entrepreneurship Boot Camps in Algeria, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, Senegal, Tanzania, Turkey; and now Nepal. www.crdfglobal.org About the U.S. Department of State: The U.S. Department of State uses science to advance U.S. foreign policy and foster a global environment where invention, innovation, and industry thrive. It engages foreign partners on science policy issues that support open, transparent, and meritocratic systems of governance, executes public diplomacy programs that promote the value of science to the general public, and implements capacity building programs that train young men and women to become entrepreneurs. www.state.gov

Outreach Partner Letter

Subject: Amazing opportunities for your entrepreneurs: Seeking Startup Boot Camp Outreach Partner
Hello ___, So nice speaking with you today. Im writing to follow up so that you can encourage your network of entrepreneurs to apply for the REC@NNECT Startup Boot Camp and/or Demo Day that Ace Institute of

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal is hosting in collaboration with CRDF Global and the U.S. Department of State and will be held this May 5 - 7. We are happy to be able to recognize organizations who go above and beyond for the outreach of this event! Organizations will be recognized as outreach partners in our brochure, specifically if: We receive applications from 10 tech entrepreneurs as a result of your referral. Entrepreneurs who are eligible for the Startup Boot Camp include those who are at either prototype stage or startup stage (currently are offering their product or service) We receive 10 registrations for Demo Day from entrepreneurs or people who are interested in being entrepreneurs. People who are encouraged to attend the Demo Day include startup entrepreneurs from any sector, angel investors, relevant government officials, media partners. You write a blog post about the event on your website. (We provide the blog post template attached). If able, you can suggest 1-2 people to apply to be local mentors. These local mentors are leaders in the community and will be paired with participants in the Boot Camp for mentorship on Friday, May 6. Please let me know if you are interested in being an outreach partner for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp, and if you have any questions regarding this voluntary opportunity. Regardless of whether you will be an outreach partner, please forward the below message inviting your community to participate, and let me know you have done so! Thank you for your collaboration in bringing this international opportunity to your entrepreneurs. Best regards, [NAME] ______ ______ Subject: Your invitation to entrepreneurial success: REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp and Demo Day Dear [names], We have two amazing entrepreneurship opportunities for you to consider. You are encouraged to apply for them both if you are interested. Calling all Tech Entrepreneurs: Apply for REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp! Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal is hosting the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp in collaboration with international partners CRDF Global and the U.S. Department of State. The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp will take place May 5-6, 2014 in Kathmandu with a Demo Day on Saturday, May 7, 2014. At this event you may Learn crowdfunding insights from an insider with Sherwood Neiss whose book Crowdfunding Framework was used in the JOBS Act (that deals with Crowdfunding legislation in the US) that was signed into law by President Obama on April 5, 2012. Create the best company ever with strategies from Professor Chuck Eesley, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Stanford University. Have access to fantastic mentors during the event. Present your venture in front of hundreds of people during Demo Day. 8

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet Earn awards such as seed funding ($3000 USD) and iPads. Eligibility requirements include owning a tech venture in the fields of health, Agriculture, energy or ICT that either has a prototype, demo or is currently on the market. The Startup Boot Camp is a great opportunity to accelerate your startup by getting validation and mentorship from the top world renowned entrepreneurs and investors, pitch for seed funding, get global visibility and become the next big startup. Only the top 40 ventures will be selected for this opportunity. Dont miss out! Apply for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp today! Are you REALLY (!) interested in Entrepreneurship? Register for Demo Day! Demo Day on Saturday, May 7 is a day of training, networking, leadership skills sessions and a crash course introduction to advanced entrepreneurial strategies. Tech entrepreneurship expert Dr. Charles Eesley, Assistant Professor, Stanford University and Sherwood Neiss --whose book Crowdfunding Framework was used in the JOBS Act (that deals with Crowdfunding legislation in the US) that was signed into law by President Obama on April 5, 2012 -- will be leading the active discussions and workshops. The event is targeted towards the community who is serious about entrepreneurship in Nepal. People who are encouraged to attend include: Entrepreneurs from all sectors Students or professionals who are interested in choosing entrepreneurship as a career Angel investors Government officials Media partners Participation is limited, so sign up today to ensure your place. Best wishes, [NAME]

Email to Individual Entrepreneurs

This is a simple email that you can send to people you already KNOW would be great for the boot camp. Subject: Your invitation to apply for Startup Boot Camp in Nepal Dear , As you are an entrepreneur who with much success and promise, I am recommending you to apply to the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp that Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal is hosting in collaboration with CRDF Global and the U.S. Department of State. The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp will take place May 5-6, 2014 in Kathmandu with a Demo Day on Saturday, May 7, 2014. At this event you will Learn crowdfunding insights from an insider with Sherwood Neiss whose book Crowdfunding Framework was used in the JOBS Act (that deals with Crowdfunding legislation in the US) that was signed into law by President Obama on April 5, 2012. Create the best company ever with strategies from Professor Chuck Eesley, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Stanford University. Present your venture in front of hundreds of people. Have a chance to receive awards such as seed funding ($3000 USD) and iPads. 9

REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet This is a great opportunity to accelerate your startup by getting validation and mentorship from the top world renowned entrepreneurs and investors, pitch for seed funding, get global visibility and become the next big startup. Dont miss out! Apply for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp! Best wishes, [NAME]

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REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Email soliciting local mentors

INVITATION TO MENTOR STARTUPS
Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal is hosting the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp in collaboration with international partners CRDF Global and the U.S. Department of State. The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp will take place May 5-6, 2014 in Kathmandu with a Demo Day on Saturday, May 7, 2014. The goal of the events is to provide participating entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed in order to assess, determine feasibility of, and achieve complete success with their tech ventures. REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Mentorship Program The top 40 startups will be identified through a competitive application process. Face-to-face mentorship will be provided to the 40 startups on Friday, May 6, 2014. Following the event, the top five startups will continue to be mentored locally during months of June, July and August. Do you have the Mentor Characteristics? Do you want to Solve problems that affect entrepreneurial societies in emerging economies Play a role in the positive transformation of the economic fabric of Nepal Grow your network Gain a new perspective Renew or develop your leadership skills Be recognized as a leader in the development of entrepreneurship Do you have Experience in identifying, building, growing and/or investing in tech startups or mobile applications Experience in developing, marketing and or raising funds for startups Interest or knowledge of emerging technology and/or mobile application market trends IF YOU DO: APPLY HERE to be a mentor and become part of an innovative group Mentor Responsibilities: This is a volunteer position Mentor 4 different startups for one hour each during the morning of Friday, May 6, 2014. Lunch is provided on this day Desireable: Stay involved in the Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal community. Upon further discussion: Join the REC@nnect Mentor program where you may continue to mentor one startups every few months

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REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Blog Post/Press Release about Event

What it takes to have entrepreneurial success An entrepreneur needs not only a great idea in order to be successful, but also an entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes a strong venture team, business acumen amongst the team members, access to the marketplace, and a strong network of services and policies that support entrepreneurship. In support of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the CRDF Global in partnership with Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal and the U.S. Department of State will host a REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp in May 5-6 and a REC@nnect Demo Day on Saturday, May 7, 2014. The goal of the events is to provide participating entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed in order to assess, determine feasibility of, and achieve complete success with their tech ventures. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply today to the events, as the deadline to apply is April 7, 2014. REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp: Targeted skills development for entrepreneurs who are ready to take off The exclusivity of this event differentiates it. Eligibility requirements for participating entrepreneurs include owning a tech venture in the fields of health, agriculture, energy or ICT that either has a prototype, demo or is currently on the market. The experts will target their messages on May 5 only to the top 40 tech entrepreneurs, making for some really great face time for attendees. On May 6, there will be at least 45 minutes of one on one mentorship provided to each startup team that qualifies to the Startup Boot Camp. Each of the entrepreneurs will additionally receive key feedback on their presentations from international judges and leaders within the South and Central Asian entrepreneurial community. Before they know it the top 10 will be announced and they will be working all night to improve their pitch for the big day on May 7, Demo Day, where theyll be pitching for recognition and awards such as iPads and $3000 in seed funding. If this sounds interesting to you, apply here! REC@nnect Demo Day: Bringing the community together to support entrepreneurship REC@nnect Demo Day is an opportunity to raise your entrepreneurial game to the next level. The morning will bring messages from entrepreneurship experts such as Sherwood Neiss whose book Crowdfunding Framework was used in the JOBS Act (that deals with Crowdfunding legislation in the US) that was signed into law by President Obama on April 5, 2012; and Professor Chuck Eesley, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Stanford University. In the afternoon, panelists will discuss what is going on in Nepal society today to support entrepreneurship and how everyone can play a part. The day closes out with pitches from the top 10 South and Central Asian tech startups. The registration form can be found here. Entrepreneurs from all sectors, students or professionals who are interested in choosing entrepreneurship as a career, angel investors, government officials and media partners are all invited to join in for REC@nnect Demo Day. While participants are encouraged to attend for the entire Demo Day, if certain participants cannot join in for the full day, then angel investors, government officials and media partners are strongly encouraged to join for the afternoon sessions of panels and venture pitches. The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp and REC@nnect Demo Day is a great opportunity to accelerate your startup by getting validation and mentorship from top world-renowned entrepreneurs and investors, pitching for seed funding, getting global visibility and becoming the next big startup.

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REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Letter to media partners

Subject: Entrepreneurial Competition May 5-7. Seeking dedicated tech or business journalist Dear [Name], I am writing you today to invite you to cover the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp and Demo Day that Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal is hosting in collaboration with CRDF Global and the U.S. Department of State and will be held this May 5 7, 2014. The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp will be held Thursday and Friday May 5-6 and the REC@nnect Demo Day on Saturday, May 7, 2014. The goal of the events is to provide participating entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed in order to assess, determine feasibility of, and achieve complete success with their tech ventures. I have attached a full blog post/article template that you are welcome to publish or use in creating your first article. Furthermore, we hope that you would choose to send a journalist to cover the event. At the event you will have the chance to cover: The top 10 startup ventures from Nepal Commentary from top US experts on leadership and tech entrepreneurship The evolution of the Nepal startup community Please let me know who is the point person who would cover this event, and we will be sure to invite them personally to attend, especially as we are still confirming details such as venue and agenda. Best regards, [NAME] More about the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp and Demo Day: The exclusivity of this event differentiates it. Eligibility requirements for participating entrepreneurs include owning a tech venture in the fields of health, agriculture, energy or ICT that either has a prototype, demo or is currently on the market, On May 5, the experts will target their messages only to the top 40 tech entrepreneurs, making for some really great face time for attendees. On May 6, there will be at least 45 minutes of one on one mentorship provided to each startup team that qualifies to the Startup Boot Camp. Each of the entrepreneurs will additionally receive key feedback on their presentations from international judges and leaders within the South and Central Asian entrepreneurial community. Before they know it the top 10 will be announced and they will be working all night to improve their pitch for the big day. On May 7, Demo Day, the top 10 will pitch for recognition and awards such as iPads and $3000 in seed funding.

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REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet

Sample Social Media Posts

SAMPLE FACEBOOK POST : 1. Dont miss a great opportunity to apply for the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp networking, mentorship, seed funding, and much more. Apply today deadline is April7! http://bit.ly/RECNepal 2. Get visibility, validation, mentorship and training from top U.S. investors and entrepreneurs. Apply to the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp. Deadline is April 7! http://bit.ly/RECNepal SAMPLE TWITTER POST: 1. Want to move your #startup to the next level? Apply 5 the @GISTinitiative Startup Boot Camp! Deadline April 5 http://bit.ly/RECNepal 2. Have the next big #Tech #Startup #Nepal? Apply to the @GISTinitiative Startup Boot Camp! Deadline April 5 http://bit.ly/RECNepal 3. Learn from @jimchung_gw of @GWtweets Apply to the @GISTinitiative Startup Boot Camp! Deadline April 5 http://bit.ly/RECNepal

Sponsor Outreach Letter

Subject: Entrepreneurial Competition May 5-7. Seeking sponsors to support South and Central Asian tech entrepreneurs Dear [Name], I am writing you today to invite you to be a sponsor of the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp and Demo Day that Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal is hosting in collaboration with international partners CRDF Global and the U.S. Department of State. The event will be held this May 5 7, 2014. The REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp will be held Thursday and Friday May 5-6 and the REC@nnect Demo Day on Saturday, May 7, 2014. The goal of the events is to provide participating entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed in order to assess, determine feasibility of, and achieve complete success with their tech ventures. We hope that you would consider sponsoring the event in one of many ways. Sponsoring a meal or coffee break during the event Contributing cash or in-kind donations to be added to the award listing. So far we count $3000 USD and two iPads in contributions In-kind donation ideas include: Scholarship to attend a course your organization hosts, free mentorship with professionals in your network, devices from your company (tablets, phones, computer), free subscriptions to services your company hosts,

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REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp Outreach Packet In recognition of the generosity of the sponsors, we have three levels of sponsorship. Each level will receive recognition on our website, in the event brochure, and on the backdrops we prepare for the event. Platinum Value of $10,000 donation or above Diamond Sponsor - Value of $5000 - $10,000 Gold Sponsor Value of $2000-$5000 Silver Sponsor Any value under $2000 In addition, recognition can include naming of the corresponding agenda item. Example: The Microsoft Lean Startup Review Session; The Intel Coffee Break; The Kathmandu Bank Limited Networking Reception. Awards will also be published with the branding desired by the sponsor, and verbally announced during the awards ceremony to an audience of 200 members of the entrepreneurial community. Example: The cell phones awards are generously donated by Nokia. Platinum members may also have the opportunity to suggest speakers at our event. This will be discussed with the Ace Institute of Management and Microsoft Innovation Center Nepal and CRDF Global organizing teams. We would be so happy to work with you to customize your level of participation. Please let me know who is the point person at your organization may be, and I will be sure to follow up with them. Thank you for your collaboration in strengthening this international opportunity for the South and Central Asian tech entrepreneurs. Best regards, [NAME] More about the REC@nnect Startup Boot Camp and Demo Day: The exclusivity of this event differentiates it. Eligibility requirements for participating entrepreneurs include owning a tech venture in the fields of health, agriculture, energy or ICT that either has a prototype, demo or is currently on the market, On May 5, the experts will target their messages only to the top 40 tech entrepreneurs, making for some really great face time for attendees. On May 6, there will be at least 45 minutes of one on one mentorship provided to each startup team that qualifies to the Startup Boot Camp. Each of the entrepreneurs will additionally receive key feedback on their presentations from international judges and leaders within the South and Central Asian entrepreneurial community. Before they know it the top 10 will be announced and they will be working all night to improve their pitch for the big day. On May 7, Demo Day, the top 10 will pitch for recognition and awards such as iPads and $3000 in seed funding.

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