The document discusses how to start a startup. It describes the author's failed first startup attempt in college and subsequent job. It acknowledges common fears around starting a startup like being too young, lack of funding or skills. However, it encourages addressing fears with questions, focusing on strengths, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and adding value. The author offers resources like Spartups and Agora Startup House to help aspiring entrepreneurs start their ventures.

1. And how can you “start up” a Start-Up?
Saif Akhtar

2.  Always wanted to be my own boss.
 Watched “The Social Network” – Inspired!
 Pursued my first start-up during Senior Year:
• What the heck are we doing?
• Where do we even start?
• Totally lost and confused.
• Mentors? Advisors? Anyone?
• Will this even work?
• Failed.
 Graduated, SJSU’11 – BSME. Woopty-freakin-do!
 Networking for failed start-up led to first job after college @
The Nerditorium

3. Founder & Executive Director
www.Spartups.com
Chief Operations Officer
www.Pinfluence.com
Chief Collaborator

4. So Can You!

6. Fear of Failure & Disappointment

8.  “I’m too young.”

9.  “I’m too young.”
 “I didn’t go to an ivy-league.”

10.  “I’m too young.”
 “I didn’t go to an ivy-league.”
 “I don’t have any money.”

11.  “I’m too young.”
 “I didn’t go to an ivy-league.”
 “I don’t have any money.”
 “I don’t know how to code/sell.”

12.  “I’m too young.”
 “I didn’t go to an ivy-league.”
 “I don’t have any money.”
 “I don’t know how to code/sell.”
 “The start-up life is too unpredictable.”

13.  “I’m too young.”
 “I didn’t go to an ivy-league.”
 “I don’t have any money.”
 “I don’t know how to code/sell.”
 “The start-up life is too unpredictable.”
 “I’m afraid of the unknown.”

14.  “I’m too young.”
 “I didn’t go to an ivy-league.”
 “I don’t have any money.”
 “I don’t know how to code/sell.”
 “The start-up life is too unpredictable.”
 “I’m afraid of the unknown.”
 “It’s not the right time. Too busy.”

15.  “I’m too young.”
 “I didn’t go to an ivy-league.”
 “I don’t have any money.”
 “I don’t know how to code/sell.”
 “The start-up life is too unpredictable.”
 “I’m afraid of the unknown.”
 “It’s not the right time. Too busy.”
 “I’m afraid of failing.”

17.  Answer “What if?”

18.  Answer “What if?”
 Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

19.  Answer “What if?”
 Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
 Distance yourself from negativity.

20.  Answer “What if?”
 Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
 Distance yourself from negativity.
 Trouble is inevitable – don’t waste time planning for it.

21.  Answer “What if?”
 Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
 Distance yourself from negativity.
 Trouble is inevitable – don’t waste time planning for it.
 Surround yourself with like-minded people.
* Great resource: The 4-Hour Work Week – Tim Ferriss

23.  “Abstract thinking.”

24.  “Abstract thinking.”
 Network.

25.  “Abstract thinking.”
 Network.
 Collaborate.

26.  “Abstract thinking.”
 Network.
 Collaborate.
 Get involved.
• Spartups: Collaborators
• The Relay Foundation: Investors; Incubators
• Agora Startup House: Incubator @ UC-Berkeley
• Youth Business America: Mentors; Investors

27. Think of ways to ADD VALUE!

28. Not starting soon enough!

29. We’re here to help you every
step of the way!

30. Questions?
Saif Akhtar
saif@spartups.com