Frequently Asked Questions
- If I participate, what do I get out of the weekend?
You'll work with brilliant people from other disciplines on something real. And you get equity in the company that's formed.
- How do the legalities work? Do I need to sign any documents?
Every participant signs a Technology Assignment Agreement at the start of the weekend. This document includes a non disclosure agreement (NDA) and a non compete. All intellectual property is assigned to the new company.
- I'm a student majoring in X. Should I even consider to apply?
The short answer is: yes. Our past participants have spanned everything from a freshman in psychology to a freshly minted PhD in Neuroscience. If you're at all passionate about startups and technology, do apply!
- Can I apply even though I am not a student?
Absolutely. While the majority will be students, we are definitely open to having some (very strong) non student participants.
- What kind of ideas are allowed?
Anything flies as long as it has a strong software base. For instance, companies like Amazon, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, and Ebay are all examples of companies that could have originated as a 3 Day Startup.
- How are the final ideas picked?
The 40 people form 8 groups of 5 people each. The small groups brainstorm and pick their favorite ideas. Then each group pitches their top idea to the seven other groups. At the end, all participants vote on the top one, two, or three ideas.
- How many people from each discipline do you invite into the event?
About 20 from computer science, 7 from business, 3 law students, 3 graphic designers, and 7 wild cards.
- Doesn't 40 people feel like overkill?
If they were all working on forming one company, then yes, it would be. But the goal is to create multiple companies, with a much more manageable crowd for each project.
- How much can you really accomplish in 3 days?
A whole lot. You can form the company, create a prototype, research and validate the market, engage potential customers, write an initial business plan and pitch the idea to investors, to name a few action items.
- What about food? Sleep?
3DS caters all meals, drinks, and in-between snacks. Sleep is optional. Participants can bring a sleeping bag, or go home to rest.
- What happens at the end of the weekend?
At 7 p.m. on Sunday, the participants pitch their startups to a panel of local venture capitalists, angel investors, tech entrepreneurs, professors, and the press. After that, they elect a board of directors which will take the companies forward.
- What does the weekend schedule look like?
While the participants set the entire agenda for the weekend, a typical
weekend might look like this:
Friday
- 2pm: meet & greet, split up into brainstorming groups
- 7pm: dinner & pitch ideas
- Decide on best idea(s), start work!
Saturday
- Coding, market validation, business plans, logos, etc.
Sunday
- 6pm: dinner & meet panelists
- 7pm: pitch startup(s) to panel
- Launch prototype, elect board
- How can I help out as a sponsor?
We are looking for three types of sponsorships:
- Financial - $$ donations to feed our participants and cover other expenses
- Mentorship - we invite industry veterans to attend the weekend to
provide input on our progress
- Other donations - anything from free hosting to energy drinks
- Do you have a slide deck with pretty pictures?
Sure do.
- Do you have an awesome video to learn more about 3 Day Startup?
Of course, watch the video here.
For any other questions, please contact us at
info@3daystartup.com.
