FAQ
Why a startup weekend "creative business"?
We aim at creating an event which enables you to develop your own idea that belongs or connects to the fields of creative industries. It takes the known concept of a startup weekend and focuses on the 12 sectors of the creative industries. This idea emerged from experience: startup weekends are held not only in Switzerland but all over the world and have proven to be powerful events, but it is rare that we see participants with an artsy background there – and that’s a pity. We want to change that as we think there is a potential for creatives to become entrepreneurs – free from the need to find constant support through prize money, grants or small cultural founds.
Why is it all in English?
No Röschtigraben: We want to include all language regions of Switzerland aswell as international participants, this is why the official language of the event is English. You can also speak German, French, Italian, Romansh or any other language, aslong as your coworkers understand you at the event.
I’m not sure if this is for me
Ask us anything! You can mail us, get our newsletter or follow us on twitter and facebook to stay tuned for updates on our blog. There’s nothing like an ideal participant. You could be 21, studying communication, you could be 37, a business employee looking for a change. You could be 63 and a music producer, 17 and keen on getting your idea out there. Sounds great? We think so too. Or do you have better plans for the weekend?
So this is only for artists then?
No. We don’t want the tech geeks and businessmen to stay away – we want them to sit at a round table with you. Because we think there are many interesting ideas out there. Maybe just a thought on the back of your head, maybe some scribbles in your notebook or even a fully developed project, that just didn’t find the right people to grow yet, or lacks founding. This is why you need a team of people with different skills and backgrounds.
How is this going to work?
You won’t be alone in your magical journey! First of all, there will be other participants who work in the creative sector or are interested in helping to generate a startup in this field. They might be software developers, artists, producers of a dance theatre, journalist, etc. or young entrepreneurs looking for a team or a project or both. Plus: there will be coaches and speakers. They should help you with their knowledge, trying their best in consulting you to avoid rookie mistakes.
I have an idea but I am afraid that somebody might steal it if I share it?
Startup Weekend is about sharing your thoughts and working on projects together. That ideas are stolen happens very, very rarely. Why is that? (1) Because as entrepreneurs, you want to build your own things. It's no fun to take somebody elses idea and to work on it.
(2) Because the value of an idea is in its execution. There are millions of ideas around, many of them even published, and nobody makes them a success. Success happens when you take an idea and work with a very committed team for several years very hard on it.
Can I protect my ideas?
Ideas can't be protected. Implementation details can be protected. So - once your idea is beyond the idea phase, there are mechanisms to protect that idea. Read a very insightful article on this topic here.
We aim at creating an event which enables you to develop your own idea that belongs or connects to the fields of creative industries. It takes the known concept of a startup weekend and focuses on the 12 sectors of the creative industries. This idea emerged from experience: startup weekends are held not only in Switzerland but all over the world and have proven to be powerful events, but it is rare that we see participants with an artsy background there – and that’s a pity. We want to change that as we think there is a potential for creatives to become entrepreneurs – free from the need to find constant support through prize money, grants or small cultural founds.
Why is it all in English?
No Röschtigraben: We want to include all language regions of Switzerland aswell as international participants, this is why the official language of the event is English. You can also speak German, French, Italian, Romansh or any other language, aslong as your coworkers understand you at the event.
I’m not sure if this is for me
Ask us anything! You can mail us, get our newsletter or follow us on twitter and facebook to stay tuned for updates on our blog. There’s nothing like an ideal participant. You could be 21, studying communication, you could be 37, a business employee looking for a change. You could be 63 and a music producer, 17 and keen on getting your idea out there. Sounds great? We think so too. Or do you have better plans for the weekend?
So this is only for artists then?
No. We don’t want the tech geeks and businessmen to stay away – we want them to sit at a round table with you. Because we think there are many interesting ideas out there. Maybe just a thought on the back of your head, maybe some scribbles in your notebook or even a fully developed project, that just didn’t find the right people to grow yet, or lacks founding. This is why you need a team of people with different skills and backgrounds.
How is this going to work?
You won’t be alone in your magical journey! First of all, there will be other participants who work in the creative sector or are interested in helping to generate a startup in this field. They might be software developers, artists, producers of a dance theatre, journalist, etc. or young entrepreneurs looking for a team or a project or both. Plus: there will be coaches and speakers. They should help you with their knowledge, trying their best in consulting you to avoid rookie mistakes.
I have an idea but I am afraid that somebody might steal it if I share it?
Startup Weekend is about sharing your thoughts and working on projects together. That ideas are stolen happens very, very rarely. Why is that? (1) Because as entrepreneurs, you want to build your own things. It's no fun to take somebody elses idea and to work on it.
(2) Because the value of an idea is in its execution. There are millions of ideas around, many of them even published, and nobody makes them a success. Success happens when you take an idea and work with a very committed team for several years very hard on it.
Can I protect my ideas?
Ideas can't be protected. Implementation details can be protected. So - once your idea is beyond the idea phase, there are mechanisms to protect that idea. Read a very insightful article on this topic here.
What are the creative industries?
„(They) have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property" (DCMS Definition). Its 12 sectors are:
„(They) have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property" (DCMS Definition). Its 12 sectors are:
What is a startup?
With the term “startup”, we describe young, non-established companies with an innovative business idea. They start with little start-up capital and usually need venture capital and seed capital (possibly also by business angels) or an initial public offering (IPO) to be able to expand its business and strengthen its capital base. (Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon) Doodle, joiz, fashionfriends and watson are all swiss startups that you might have heard of.
What is a business model?
A business model is your face description of how to create, deliver and capture value, in respect of the environment the business is in. It does furthermore take into account your costs, the key resources, distribution channels, partners and customer relationships. During the weekend you will get to know the intuitive Business Model Canvas.
What is Design Thinking?
The Design Thinking process is a human-centred set of methods and tools. It combines approaches found in design and ethnography with technology and business skills, in order to find hidden needs and match them. During the weekend we show you the Design Thinking method used and taught by the Hasso Plattner Institute.
What is Pitching?
Pitching is a way of looking for agreement. Usually we talk about pitching when we are seeking for investment or, as in this case, if we want to convince a jury. You present your idea and hope to get support.
With the term “startup”, we describe young, non-established companies with an innovative business idea. They start with little start-up capital and usually need venture capital and seed capital (possibly also by business angels) or an initial public offering (IPO) to be able to expand its business and strengthen its capital base. (Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon) Doodle, joiz, fashionfriends and watson are all swiss startups that you might have heard of.
What is a business model?
A business model is your face description of how to create, deliver and capture value, in respect of the environment the business is in. It does furthermore take into account your costs, the key resources, distribution channels, partners and customer relationships. During the weekend you will get to know the intuitive Business Model Canvas.
What is Design Thinking?
The Design Thinking process is a human-centred set of methods and tools. It combines approaches found in design and ethnography with technology and business skills, in order to find hidden needs and match them. During the weekend we show you the Design Thinking method used and taught by the Hasso Plattner Institute.
What is Pitching?
Pitching is a way of looking for agreement. Usually we talk about pitching when we are seeking for investment or, as in this case, if we want to convince a jury. You present your idea and hope to get support.