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How to break into Silicon Valley if you have no idea where to start

by Biz Carson on Aug 29, 2016, 12:13 PM

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Silicon Valley is a great place to create the next world-changing business. But for founders with no connections, it can be an intimidating place to break into.

Business Insider spoke to 10 top-tier venture capitalists about what advice they give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking for a way into the tech industry.

Here's the advice from some of the best on how to break into Silicon Valley:

SEE ALSO: Here's the moment when I realized how miraculous self-driving technology really is

Breaking into Silicon Valley is about connections.

"Start by finding the best connections to a few seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Angels or VCs via your contacts, LinkedIn or other means. Get a warm intro to them, meet them and pick their brains. At the end of the meetings, ask them in turn to intro you to other folks who can be helpful and then meet those folks. Rinse and repeat! Voila! You will have the start of a good SV network. The awesome thing about Silicon Valley is that most people are willing to 'pay it forward' and be helpful to smart folks who are starting on their entrepreneurial journey. "

— Ajay Chopra, Trinity Ventures



Have a point of view.

"Sometimes folks who are trying to build relationships come off as bland, because they're afraid to express a point of view. But I'm much more impressed reading a blog post or email that shares a thoughtful, opinionated point of view. Even if I disagree with the conclusion it proves the person cares about something. Shows me how they think and communicate. Demonstrates that they did the work to get more than superficial on an issue. Those are all qualities which I correlate with success in Silicon Valley."

— Hunter Walk, Homebrew



Identify individuals who could dramatically increase the chances of your business becoming successful.

"You are always one amazing advisor/partner/investor away from achieving the uber connectivity that will help get to you success in Silicon Valley. You have to believe in this. I've met so many individuals who've done extremely well thanks to the amplification effects of having just one phenomenal relationship."

"Identify individuals who could dramatically increase the chances of your business becoming successful. The person you're looking for will be just as passionate about your area of interest as you are. Look for them on LinkedIn and at professional meet-ups. And don't just title-shop. For example, associates at VC firms might not be able to write you a check (yet), but they can be incredibly strong advocates. Get hold of them; impress them. Be persistent (in a nice way)."

— Niko Bonatsos, General Catalyst



See the rest of the story at Business Insider


 
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