SXSW 2010 Panel Proposal: Student Startups! Entrepreneurship in the University

August 20, 2009 | 1 Minute Read

I have once again proposed a panel for SXSW 2010. Last year’s didn’t get picked, but I have a good feeling about this one. I don’t see any other panel ideas that are too similar to it and I think it’s a neat idea. Basically I’ll get a bunch of student entrepreneurs and have them talk about the challenges and opportunities of doing startups while still in school. I know a few other entrepreneurs and I’m trying to enlist the help of others. Here’s the proposal:

Description:
While student startups are not a new phenomenon, universities and venture capitalists are beginning to see the advantages in supporting them. Join a panel of student entrepreneurs in a discussion on finding funding, incorporating a company and balancing homework, work and life, all while attending school full-time.

Questions answered during the panel:

1. How are universities starting to support student entreprenurship?
2. What are the legal implications of using university resources for personal business? (copyright)
3. How can I “double-dip” schoolwork and startup work into the same project?
4. What kinds of venture capital support are available specifically for student startup businesses?
5. Into which type of corporate structure should a student startup incorporate?
6. How much money do I need to get started as a student entreprenur?
7. How can I get my classmates to provide free labor?
8. What should I look out for when accepting work from non-company students? (ownership rights)
9. How does one achieve a healthy work/homework/life balance as a student entrepreneur?
10. What happens when I (and my partners) graduate?

So far, my pal Ben Congleton has said he’ll be on the panel. Now to find a bunch of other panelists! You can also help by voting for my panel (I should have mentioned this first) here!