ideas of people who come to us are for the most part are very good. Difficulties arise at a time when you have to take the first step and start the project. And here the originators of this part of Europe – because it is not only characteristic of the Polish – they have a lot of fears, the fear of making a mistake, ridicule and criticism – says Andrzej Kuśmierz – originator of the acceleration program WAW.ac.
Grzegorz Marynowicz: What is the program, which you are the initiator?
Andrzej Kuśmierz: Waw.ac is a program akceleracyjnym addressed to startups and companies in the early stage of development of Polish and abroad. This is the program that their strength and effectiveness relies on mentors and investors who own knowledge, many years of business experience and a wide network of contacts can accelerate the development of the burgeoning business.
Are you looking for existing companies or a person with an idea on paper too can report to you?
we invite people and teams whose idea is promising and where we can help. Waw.ac program is equally effective for new ideas, start-ups and companies that have been operating for some time, but want to improve your business model.
What ideas can count on the participation in the initiative? Are you interested in specific industries?
The business idea is just the beginning. More important for us are the people who stand for a specific initiative and whether we can help these people. Some of the ideas do not have a future, we must reject them at the initial stage of selection. However, our last year’s experience shows that projects the participants underwent a significant metamorphosis in the previous edition WAW.ac, so look at it in a broader context. Very often, the potential lies not in business, but in the man – his motivation, passion and energy. That is why, although we focus on technological projects (related eg. The Life Science, engineering and communications), we are also open to other directions.
Who is the initiator of the program and what is experienced in the investment?
WAW.ac is carried out according to my own program. For many years engaged in supporting start-ups, developing business and building their competitive advantage. Assumptions are based on the methodology of similar programs conducted among at Stanford University.
The great value WAW.ac are our mentors. More than 30 practitioners of law, market research, marketing, sales, technology and finance. Thanks to their knowledge and involvement program is truly unique in the Polish market.
How are the different stages of acceleration?
The first phase of five days of intensive workshops during which participants acquire new knowledge and use it to prototype concepts and business models . This sounds convoluted, but it boils down to improve the construction of innovative projects including from the market research, team building, sales skills, etc.. The next step is to meet with mentors during which participants are connecting with our “wise men” – entrepreneurs and scientists chosen according to the needs of each participant. The last step is to Marathon – three months working with mentors to fine tune the concept of a startup and presenting it to the final DemoDay before a wide audience of investors, journalists and companies.
Is the originator receives any funds or only mentoring, and any money required to pay the same? How does it look from the kitchen?
In working on business development. Often, instead of the investor more important is the signing of the first contract. And that is our goal. If, however, the project at some point will need funding, to jointly look for him investors. In this way, participants are preparing for real investment and learn the practical side “pitchowania.” And as that around our program is to many investors both business angels and fund good projects do not have a problem finding funding.
Is startup, which passed all stages can count on financial support?
yes, definitely. the project receives support from both our partners and interested private investors.
How many stakeholders whether to support the best projects are you working with?
All strategic partners are interested in supporting our projects. This Black Pearls VC, Adamed, T- mobile, Microsoft and Intel. Sometimes These are funds, sometimes contracts and contacts. Support also offer all the mentors and other people involved in the process of acceleration. There are also many institutions from the outside, which inquire about the projects carried out under WAW.ac. Adding up to tens of different players.
Tell us something about the effects of the previous edition of the program? How many startups founded and what are the projects?
The first edition of the 23 qualified teams for the last stage reached 14 of them. Finally founded 5 companies, 2 consecutive arise now. Other companies were already part of projects made significant modifications to its business model. These projects biotech, technology (including drones), IT and ICT, medical, from the area of social innovation and architecture.
What is their fate? Are there any raised investor?
Most of the projects developing in line with the strategy worked out. A few are at the final stage of obtaining private funding, are those that have received funding from NCBiR, the rest have either a strategic partner with whom they work on the development, or customers. What you think are the qualities of an ideal project?
There is no finished catalog of features ideal or those that guarantee a hundred percent success. If the project are people with passion and enthusiasm, then you can always turn it into something fun and worthwhile.
From your experience, please tell me what mistakes most commonly committed by Polish originators?
the ideas of people who come to us are for the most part are very good. Difficulties arise at a time when you have to take the first step and start the project. And here the originators of this part of Europe – because it is not only characteristic of the Polish – they have a lot of fears, the fear of making a mistake, ridicule and criticism. We at WAW.ac create conditions to try. To learn from mistakes. Because it’s the only way to build and create anything of value.
What areas / sectors do you consider the most promising for startups?
We are interested primarily ideas interdisciplinary linked to technology, science, research. Those that are not the result of momentary fashion, only fields that have a future and we know that it will not demand .. But in every industry there is always a chance for a new company that will do something better, cheaper, faster than others. Always.
What do you think is missing in the Polish ecosystem of startups and investors? What changes would you expect?
Luckily, missing less and less. Those who believe in their ideas, rapidly acting, well cope. They are already in our highly effective network of entrepreneurs, investors and mentors.
It’s over and we must work harder to trust, courage in trying out and developing prudent investment. And as you can see, you can not change that central decisions. Because neither built up the trust from above, neither courage nor experience in investing. It is necessary to create an effective ecosystem is a time that will allow you to build social capital, experience in running a business and wisdom in investing. Because not about the money’s going. It’s about working together at the root …
Thank you for your time
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