Discussions / Live Q&A’s

It certainly depends on your risk tolerance and the current opportunity. Franchising can be a rewarding route to start a business with a model that has been well tested.  Like any startup it has it challenges, but it gives an entrepreneur an opportunity to operate an established brand.  That being said, this is quite different than pursuing your own idea, dream and passion and seeing something grow (or fail). The latter may have higher risks because the idea and market is unproven, but more potential for upside.  

Our core belief at the Dingman Center is that students who experiment with entrepreneurship in some way, big or small, are more likely to start a business or work at a startup either after graduation or later in life.  Cupid's Cup is a national business competition, sponsored by Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour, for students who are currently running businesses.  5 finalists will compete for $50K and access to Kevin Plank's network on April 5th here at University of Maryland. 

I was an early employee at a startup, technology-focused investment banking boutique. Our team was growing our own business while also advising early stage companies on raising private capital and buy side/sell side acquisitions.  We worked with a variety of technology companies and often helped refine their growth strategy and business model to prepare them for venture financings or for exit.  In my current role I work closely with many student startups as well as regional entrepreneurs. 

Ooohh, that is always a hard question because it really depends on the type of business. If you are starting a restaurant you may start generating cash flow sooner than if you are developing cancer drugs.  I'd say two things -- 1. Depending on your idea you want to put a plan in place to scorecard yourself to know if this is an idea worth pursuing or whether you should pivot or lick your wounds and admit "failure." 2. Always assume it will take twice as long and cost twice as much. 

STAY HERE! There is a thriving ecosystem of technology entrepreneurs and mentors -- regardless of what you might otherwise hear .  The community is supportive and collaborative with a deep bench of seasoned executives.  The imminent decline in government spending should also free up tech talent who, after some soul searching, might find working at start-ups more rewarding than consulting firms. There is a funding issue, no question, but there is also a lot of expertise in grant funding and other non-dilutive financing. 

Entrepreneurs are like marathon runners (in many ways) - they come in every age, shape and size.  Young entrepreneurs are fresh with fewer financial burdens --and have the energy it takes to get ideas up and running.  BUT they are inexperienced in hiring and managing teams, developing customer and channel partnerships, and often impatient with the ups and downs and highs and lows of starting companies. Identify your skill set as an entrepreneur and look for co-founders that might have complementary skills.  There is no question your bank account will take a hit, but sounds like being your own boss might be worth the trade off. 

The businesses that are most agile and proactive are more likely to survive.  There is no magic formula -  but if you are starting a business and expanding internationally, you need to think carefully about which markets to approach first. Those that are more unstable might be lower priority.  Other emerging economies with vibrant startup cultures, like Brazil, might be a viable option.