They take place all over the world. They happen almost every week. Last week it was Bangkok and Tunis - a week before that it was Gaza, Lille, St. Petersburg, Penang and Delhi. And already in less than a month from now it will be Cairo, New York, Bangalore, Palo Alto and finally... Krakow!!!
Startup Weekend comes to town and - even if only for a couple of days - our beautiful city will become the entrepreneurial capital of Europe.
On Friday afternoon January 20th 2012 over a hundred crazy individuals will get together in Krakow to work hard on their startup ideas. I write 'crazy' because you clearly have to be mad to be willing to pay to work tirelessly... over the entire weekend... with people you’ve never met before in your life... on things that have never been done before.
And yet people do it - repeatedly! Tickets sell out quickly and participants often attend more than one of those events. I know because I’m one of them - this year I helped organize Copenhagen Startup Weekend, attended one in Warsaw and now I’m definitely going to the one here in Krakow.
So, why is it that events built on such a seemingly insane premise are so successful?
Startup Weekend is often promoted as a place where companies get launched in 54 hours. And yes, there are great examples of teams forming companies, raising big money shortly after and operating till this day (i.e. Memolane, Zaarly, Foodspotting). Hard work, networking and mentorship at the event combined with the momentum and media buzz that follow certainly help get the ball rolling. In fact, there are many really good reasons to go, but for me personally the greatest thing about Startup Weekend is that you get to meet so many amazing people - yes, the crazy ones I’ve mentioned before.
On Friday afternoon January 20th 2012 over a hundred crazy individuals will get together in Krakow to work hard on their startup ideas. I write 'crazy' because you clearly have to be mad to be willing to pay to work tirelessly... over the entire weekend... with people you’ve never met before in your life... on things that have never been done before.
And yet people do it - repeatedly! Tickets sell out quickly and participants often attend more than one of those events. I know because I’m one of them - this year I helped organize Copenhagen Startup Weekend, attended one in Warsaw and now I’m definitely going to the one here in Krakow.
So, why is it that events built on such a seemingly insane premise are so successful?
Startup Weekend is often promoted as a place where companies get launched in 54 hours. And yes, there are great examples of teams forming companies, raising big money shortly after and operating till this day (i.e. Memolane, Zaarly, Foodspotting). Hard work, networking and mentorship at the event combined with the momentum and media buzz that follow certainly help get the ball rolling. In fact, there are many really good reasons to go, but for me personally the greatest thing about Startup Weekend is that you get to meet so many amazing people - yes, the crazy ones I’ve mentioned before.
I’m certain that nowhere in Krakow will you find more enthusiastic, creative and passionate people in one place that weekend. Imagine the energy and vibe so many unique minds and personalities create together. It’s an extremely addictive experience and it changes the perception of what you think is possible. It’s a powerful tool in your mental toolbox and it can stay with you long after the event. I strongly encourage all of you busy bees out there to join.
Let’s get together to work hard, have fun and create a great Startup Beekend in Krakow :)
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Piotr Nedzynski
@nedzynski
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