VentureMash Blog

Kathy Sierra on User Superpowers

We missed this one last year but we're glad we finally got to it. We love the focus on creating users and giving them "superpowers." We haven't implemented a WTF button yet, but it's tempting. If you have seen Kathy Sierra's keynotes, not all of this will be new, but if you haven't this is a great intro to her approach to the product development process and where you should focus your attention. 

Sivers on Hiring a Programmer

Derek Sivers, the founder of CD Baby, provides some advice for hiring a programmer to help develop a prototype. Check out Derek's post on his blog. I've heard of others struggling with similar issues. How do you hire someone to help make your idea into a prototype. What features do you cut? Do you focus on finding a co-founder or just a contractor?

If you are a developer, what would make you help someone build a prototype? Is it just the cash or something else?

If you are the non-technical entrepreneur, how have you solved this problem?

Making Freemium Work - Panel at Google I/O

For those entrepreneurs exploring SaaS applications and freemium models, this panel from Google I/O covers a lot of good territory. Here are a few of the highlights:
  • People often choose the plan that optimizes for least surprise rather lowest price
  • Understanding value of product comes before understanding pricing
  • Based on the panel's experience conversion rates typically fall in the 2-5% range
  • Most people won't pay you for features in the paid version, but they will pay for more usage of that same feature set

Angel Oregon kicks off

Northest area entrepreneurs and investors are converging today at OEN's Angel Oregon.  Angel Oregon is an annual conference that allows a few chosen companies the chance to show their stuff and compete for an award prize of up $175,000.

For innovators, investors and networkers alike, OEN’s Angel Oregon is more than the nation’s premier angel investment prize conference; it’s where breakthrough ideas are nurtured, new markets are tapped, and invaluable business connections are made.

This year's selected companies cover a wide range of industries and you can begin to learn more about them on VentureMash:

 

 

Venture Northwest 2009 company profiles on VentureMash

Today, OEN is hosting Venture Northwest, its annual investor conference.  The list of presenting companies looks quite impressive, and it will be interesting to see the results of the conference both in terms of who wins and to get a general gauge on what the investing climate is like right now in Oregon and the greater Northwest.

But, what if you're interested in learning more about the companies presenting?  The launch of VentureMash this week presents an opportunity to introduce these companies and give a jumping off point for further discovery.  Let's start with the list of presenting companies:

Each venture profile page features a brief overview of the company, all of their relevant links, a discussion area if you want to leave your thoughts on the venture, and a custom Google news widget where you can read latest about the venture from a number of local news sources.

We've also created a profile for Venture Northwest so you can easily dive in as well as follow the twitter conversation about Venture Northwest.

Good luck to all those presenting and happy venturing.