No matter where you call home, you can be a relevant force in the global startup ecosystem. Come to learn about global competitions, accelerators, and Angel networks from the people who run them.

1. Why Come to Our Session?
• Are you an entrepreneur who is looking to one day (or soon!) apply to an
accelerator?
• Pat Riley, CEO of the Global Accelerator Network, can explain the entire globe of
accelerators, what they look for and when you should think about applying.
• Are you looking for Angel investment or are you an Angel investor looking
for strong, de-risked deal flow from around the globe?
• Eli Velasquez, Business Development Director for VentureWell and manager of the
GIST Angel Network, will talk about how they de-risk early-stage ventures all over
the world and ways to tap into the network, training, and funding.
• Are you a high school student (or just younger than 18) or do you teach
students that are K-12?
• Learn about the global pitch competition that Diamond Challenge started. Also,
learn how to pitch to win some of the $100k prize pool OR be a pitch site, judge, or
mentor.
• Moderated by University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship’s Director of
Commercialization Programs. Hear a little about UD’s entrepreneurship center
(fun fact: UD was the first university to offer a study abroad program).

2. Global Accelerator Network
• We are a highly curated community of independent accelerators,
partners, and investors.
• We create opportunities for startups around the world to access the
human and financial capital they need. We do this work so startups
can build powerful businesses and make a meaningful impact
wherever they call home.
• GAN Accelerators have helped some 4,700 startups. GAN Ventures
invests in 15 companies a year. And nearly 30 GAN corporate partners
are consistently engaging with those startups. Because of it, 85% of
the startups in the GAN community stay in business and continue to
operate thriving businesses in cities large and small, all over the
world.
• http://gan.co/

3. Global Innovation through
Science and Technology (GIST)
• The U. S. Department of State’s Global Innovation through Science
and Technology (GIST) initiative empowers young innovators through
networking, skills building, mentoring, and access to financing to
develop startup solutions that address economic and development
challenges.
• Since 2011, GIST has engaged with science and technology innovators
and entrepreneurs in 135 emerging economies around the world,
providing training and resources to help them build successful
startups. This is done through competitions, startup boot camps, and
interactive online programs, implemented by VentureWell.
• http://www.gistnetwork.org/

4. Diamond Challenge
• World’s largest venture concept competition for teens
• Two Tracks: Business Concept and Social Innovation
• Online curriculum: participants learn to conceive & test new ideas for
business & social enterprise.
• Students in teams 2-4 w. adult advisor
• $100,000 in prizes
• http://diamondchallenge.org/

5. Horn Entrepreneurship
• SPARK interest through youth programming
• LEARN how to put ideas into action thru courses and degree
programs built on a foundation of evidence-based entrepreneurship
• ACTIVATE idea pursuit thru venture support programming
• ELEVATE external networks and connections thru co-curricular &
enrichment programming
• COLLABORATE thru interdisciplinary approaches
• THRIVE as part of a lifelong community