Navigating Techstars Startup Weekend

I'm Anastasiia Parashchuk, an MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship alumna from the University of Edinburgh Business School. I participated in last year's Techstars Startup Weekend by Edinburgh Innovations. It was a highlight of my studies, so here I share five things I learned:

1. Take courage and initiative

You probably have ideas you plan on doing something about "someday" but put the fears aside, take courage and pitch them during the first day! As participants are coming from all over the University, you have a chance to share and get feedback from various perspectives. You might find developers and designers who will help you materialise your idea or business students who may know how to make money out of it! Witnessing others' enthusiasm to collaborate on your idea will infuse you with the energy to power through the intense 54 hours. It's definitely worth a try!

2. Be open to new connections

Each teammate has a unique mindset you couldn't access otherwise. In my team, we got three PhDs in Electronic Engineering, Molecular Biology and English Literature, one BSc in Chemical Engineering and two MScs in Innovation and Management, perfectly bonded by not sleeping enough for three days and ‘the big idea’. Investing your effort to connect to people from other faculties will give you the return you don't expect in the future – and helpful insights!

3. Ask until it's clear

You have experienced mentors, a diverse expert team, and potential clients at your disposal. Embrace asking everything that's unclear – and learn about Machine Learning principles from your Computer Science major teammate or gain fundraising insights from a current founder mentoring your team. While in real life, such advice might be expensive or time-consuming – Techstars Startup Weekend is a perfect safe space to get all the answers you wondered about. You are not losing anything, just gaining!

4. Be flexible with the work-life balance

Like many, I came to the University with the understanding that I would build my perfect routine. That's why I was hesitant to join Techstars Startup Weekend with my own idea. However, the network, skills, and significant boost in self-esteem I gained from this experience far outweighed a minor change in that routine for two days.

5. Set your own goal and stick to it

Whether your goal is to test your idea, experience startup life, or improve your teamwork and public speaking skills, setting clear personal objectives is important. Communicate these goals to your team and mentors. You'll be amazed at how others can help you grow when they know what you're aiming for.

In conclusion, regardless of your goals, remember to put your fears aside and enjoy the experience. Techstars Startup Weekend may seem short, but the knowledge and skills you acquire will continue to benefit you in the long term.

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