Posts Tagged ‘selection’
The end of the year is right around the corner. We hope you’ve been spending your time developing the next idea that we’ll invest in. If you haven’t, you still have time to submit an application for consideration. That being said, the deadline for this round of applications is December 18th at midnight.
We’ve worked on a lot of different projects over the years, recurring billing, proposals, Indian movies, and a better way to manage your finances, so the possibilities are endless.
Make sure to check out SproutBox’s website to see what characteristics we look for in an idea. And if you need some more help, Brad Wisler, wrote a post a while back describing who we like to invest in.
Don’t forget December 18th is the cutoff for this round. So get cracking on developing the best idea we’ve ever heard and apply!
| | |
Posted by Kacey on November 30, 2011 
No Comments
You sent in your application, we read it, we liked it and now you’re coming to Bloomington for Selection Weekend. After much anticipation, it’s time to choose our 8th sprout. Maybe it’s you. Frankly, I have no idea because I’m not the one reading the applications. But I do know that if you made it this far, you have an idea that impressed our committee.
Of course, I would advise you to run through the six criteria for a strong candidate. These are crucial for giving a complete presentation and will help you anticipate tough questions in advance. But don’t forget one of the most compelling parts of your presentation: your story.
What inspired the idea for your business? Why are you really at the box presenting to us? This may seem like a small detail. You may even be rolling your eyes. But if you aren’t excited about your story, how do you expect the committee members to be? You spent endless hours crafting a detailed business plan, explaining exactly how you intend to make money. Now this is your chance to show us why the committee should pick you over every other startup that applied this quarter.
Set your presentation apart with a story that makes a strong impression and tell us what you’re all about. Think of what qualities make a great story: short, engaging, relevant and personal. These qualities aren’t reserved for classic bedtime stories or cocktail parties. They are a guide to help you clearly explain the vision for your company in an interesting way and to make your presentation memorable.
Now, I’m not saying that you should start with a twenty-minute monologue about your undying love for SaaS companies, but a simple, compelling story sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and naturally transitions to the question, “What problem is your company going to solve?”
Tell us why you’re here and why you’re confident that your idea solves a real problem. If you believe in what you’re doing, your personality and dedication will be obvious.
We look forward to seeing what you have prepared. Good luck, have a safe trip and we’ll see you soon.
Applications for our next sprout are now open! Apply here.
| | |
Posted by Brad on September 21, 2010 No Comments
Submission deadline is fast approaching, August 8th to be exact. To help you understand what we’re all about, we turned to a former sprout and successful entrepreneur, James Kappan.
James is the founder of our fifth Sprout, Proposable. This subscription software makes creating, delivering and analyzing web-based sales proposals easy and efficient. Since his months in “the box,” James is successfully managing Proposable, and has a lot to say about how working with SproutBox has helped make his vision a reality.
What made you decide to work with SproutBox to launch Proposable?
Sproutbox offers to fund entrepreneurs based on the quality of the idea presented and the resourcefulness of the entrepreneur.
What was it like going through the application process and selection weekend?
The application process was surprisingly straightforward and fun. It helped me put some more “meat” around the idea I had been thinking about for so long. The weekend was cool, but sort of stressful as you are presenting your idea to a very top-notch group of investors and entrepreneurs. It was great meeting everyone and seeing that Bloomington is a cool town.
How do you feel SproutBox has helped your business in terms of development?
Sproutbox provided everything I needed to make Proposable a reality. From the intense planning sessions to the rapid code writing, the entire team did a stellar job of moving from the idea stage to the working site stage.
What was the atmosphere like in “the box?”
The best way I can describe the box is that it’s like your favorite uncle’s basement. Comfortable chairs, games, food and just enough distraction to make it feel like you’re not at “work”. It’s a great place for collaboration among the team.
How did the SproutBox team support you during the transition process?
They provided guidance and strategy right out of the gate. The transition process was the hardest part of the process, as you now have to actually make your idea make money. This was challenging at first, as the project needs time and development to become a stable platform.
What did you most benefit from working with SproutBox?
I think I benefited most from having so many minds to glean from. I tried to learn as much as I could from each person on the team. I realized the value in having others who think very differently from me.
What advice do you have for those who are interested in working with SproutBox?
Really understand and communicate what pain your idea solves. If you can effectively communicate the pain that your ideas solves, then your idea will sell itself.
If you would like to apply to be our next Sprout, applications are due August 8th.
Apply at http://www.sproutbox.com/apply
| | |
Posted by Brad on August 2, 2010 No Comments
