Author Archives: Admin

Jimmy Wales in Bristol

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All businesses thrive on good information and the man behind the biggest information site on the web (Wikipedia, in case you weren’t sure) is in Bristol for the day as part of his 10th Anniversary global party!

Jimmy’s user page on Wikipedia is a very insightful read. His 8 founding philosophies would stand well in most socially aware entrepreneurs (though a couple are very Wikipedia-centric).

I’m sure that lots of Open Coffee regulars make frequent use of Wikipedia, I certainly do, and I’m sure we all support Jimmy & Wikimedia in developing their many projects. I look forward to seeing many of you at Jimmy’s talk in the Victoria Rooms,

It’s also worth noting that Jimmy’s presence in Bristol is largely due to our incredible strength in software development, web technologies and the commitment to open and free (as in speech as well as in beer) software across the city.

If you can’t make it, you can watch all the goodness here:

Starting the year in style!

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Thanks to everyone that came along this morning! There must have been a few New Year’s resolutions to network with interesting businesses being fulfilled.

Thanks especially to Myles Mayne (website), Tony Coll (), Graham Papworth (), & Peter Philips () for bringing some new perspectives and joining in with gusto. It’s always a pleasure to meet new entrepreneurs from around the city region.

Of course its also great to catch up with friends so good to see Nick (), Helen (), Stephen (), Mark (), Dave (), and Nigel (); I think I remembered everyone!

Lots of good discussions about emerging government statements about support for business innovation and improvement, launching a new business, mobile applications, business models, and that was just my end of the table.

Unfortunately I can’t be at the next meeting on Tues 25 Jan as I’ll be at an iNET launch in Gloucestershire but Nigel Legg has offered to host, so please come along for more great business discussions.

Pitching for Management™ – Bristol

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Starting and growing a business is tough. You need a good team around you. But growing a business is a full-time job (plus evenings & weekends) so when are you going to have the time to meet the right people?

Well some of the right people have just been receiving the invite below, so if you’re a growing business (even if you’re not an Open Coffee regular) and you’d like an opportunity to meet them, please drop Angel News a line, or visit the eventbrite link.

Hint: NO CHARGE for pitching companies

http://pitchingformanagementinbristol2.eventbrite.com/

AngelNews, the leading online news service for the early stage investment market, in association with Intramezzo and The Boulevard, Burges Salmon and Smith & Williamson, invites you to the 2nd Pitching for Management™ event in Bristol on the 26th January 2011 at 6.00pm – 9.30pm.

Use your skills to help a business grow

If you are looking to work with an exciting growing business, in any role from Mentor to CEO or Marketing Director, you must attend Pitching for Management™.

We know companies currently looking to fill a range of posts and many will be pitching at this event….. They need someone just like you to join their senior management team.

They will be pitching their business and details of the role(s) that needs filling to our audience of serial entrepreneurs, senior business managers and business angels.  Make sure you are one of the first people to hear about these exciting vacancies.

http://pitchingformanagementinbristol2.eventbrite.com/

Open Coffee, with a Greek flavour

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I’ve just been swapping emails with Dimitris Athanasiadis (Exec Board member on Openfund) about the launch of their Fourth Round of funding for new start-up companies. Dimitris also runs Open Coffee Greece, so I guess it was natural to reach out to the other international Open Coffee groups to promote Openfund.

Of course you may want to relocate to Greece if you’re successful at applying to Openfund, especially as they start in Jan for 5 months. Their technical advisers reflect the European and International nature of start-ups, and its a pretty impressive line up that would help accelerate just about any venture proposition.

Some facts about the fund from their launch post:

Specifically, the range of funding is almost doubled to €30.000-50.000 up from €25.000-35.0000, while keeping the equity at 15%. Also based on a significant number of additions to our advisor board, we are now able to provide much more mentoring time and networking to all projects.

You have until 30 November to apply and the decisions will be made on 10 Jan, with a 5 month incubation programme starting right afterwards. If you’re interested:

You may apply today by filling the form here. You are also encouraged to take a close look at our process, the FAQ and best practices before proceeding with your application.

Our own Open Coffee will be meeting as usual next Tues, 2 Nov from about 8.30am in the Boston Teaparty on Park St.