If you are looking for the best startups to invest in or simply want advice on building your own startup company, then this guide is for you!
In this article, I will outline the steps you need to take and the companies you should be looking at if your goal is to find great startups.
Here are some of the ways to find startups to invest in;
1). Startup online aggregators
What are aggregators?
Some of the most popular aggregators include
How do I use them?
This will give you a list of startups that are currently looking for investors.
You can also use aggregators to research specific industries or niches. For example, if you’re interested in investing in healthcare technology startups, then you can go to one of the aggregators and search for companies in that niche.
2). In-person professional networking events
What are they?
In-person professional networking events are gatherings of entrepreneurs, investors, and other professionals who work in the startup industry. These events provide a great opportunity for investors to meet with startups and learn more about them.
How do I attend them?
To find in-person professional networking events near you, go to Eventbrite and search for relevant events in your city.
Eventbrite is a great resource because it allows you to see the price of each event, which makes it easy to find free or low-cost events that fit within your budget.
In addition, you can also use Google Alerts to monitor online communities about upcoming networking opportunities in your area.
What should I do when I attend them?
When you attend an in-person professional networking event, the goal is to meet as many startups as possible. You can do this by introducing yourself and asking them a few questions about their company.
It is also important to be aware of any events or funding opportunities that are happening in the near future.
You can also follow the startups you meet at these events on social media. This will help you stay up-to-date on their latest news and progress.
3). Startup Hackathons
Startup Hackathons (also known as Startup Weekends) are gatherings of entrepreneurs, developers, and startup enthusiasts.
These events take place over the course of a weekend or several days during which participants work in teams to build new products from scratch.
During these events, you can meet startups that will help you find your next investment.
How do I find them?
Startup Hackathons are typically free to attend, so you can simply visit the event website to learn more about it.
In addition, Eventbrite is a great resource for finding startup hackathon events near you because it allows you to see how much each ticket costs.
4). Innovation labs or innovation hubs?
What are they?
Innovation labs or innovation hubs are physical locations where startup companies can go to get help with their business.
These locations provide startups with access to resources such as mentorship, funding, and office space.
How do I find them?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because innovation labs and hubs can be found in a variety of locations, such as colleges, municipalities, and corporate campuses.
However, a good way to start your search is by using Google Maps. Simply type in the keywords “innovation lab” or “innovation hub” and your city name to find local options.
Once you have identified a few of these locations, you can search for the contact information on their websites.
5). Corporate accelerators
What is a corporate accelerator?
Corporate accelerators are programs run by large companies that provide funding, mentorship, and office space to startup companies. Corporate accelerators typically have a specific focus, such as healthcare technology or e-commerce.
How do I find them?
The best way to find corporate accelerators is by using Google Maps. Simply type in the keywords “corporate accelerator” and your city name to find local options.
Once you have identified a few of these locations, you can search for the contact information on their websites. Keep in mind that many of these places require an application or interview before allowing a startup to join their program.
What should I do when I find them?
When you find a corporate accelerator that interests you, the first step is to contact the program manager and ask for more information.
Corporate accelerators can be extremely competitive, so it is important to do your research and make sure your company meets all of the eligibility requirements.
6). Find Startup Incubators
An incubator is a business development environment that provides startup companies with services such as mentorship, funding, and office space. Incubators typically focus on specific industries or geographic areas. This makes it the best way to find startups to invest in.
For example, there are numerous manufacturing-related incubators throughout the Midwest region of the United States.
How do I find Incubators?
The best way to find incubators is by using Google Maps. Simply type in the keywords “incubator” and your city name to find local options.
Once you have identified a few of these locations, you can search for the contact information on their websites. Keep in mind that many of these places require an application or interview before allowing a startup to join their program.
What should I do when I find them?
When you find an incubator that interests you, the first step is to contact the company and ask for more information.
Incubators can be extremely competitive, so it’s important to do your research and make sure your startup meets all of the eligibility requirements before applying.
What is the difference between accelerators and incubators??
Accelerators are typically more competitive than incubators because they offer more services, such as funding and office space.
So if you are interested in receiving startup advice but don’t need access to additional resources, then an incubator is a better option for you.
6). Attend Startup competitions
Startup competitions are events where startup companies compete for a prize. These competitions can offer startups access to funding, mentorship, and office space.
How do I find them?
The best way to find startup competitions is by using Google Maps, again. Simply type in the keywords “startup competition” and your city name to find local options. Once you’ve identified a few of these locations, you can search for the contact information on their websites.
What should I do when I find them?
When you find a startup competition that interests you, the first step is to contact the event organizer and ask for more information.
Most competitions have eligibility requirements, so it’s important to make sure your company meets all of the requirements before applying.
7). Online Networking Sites
Online networking sites are a great way to connect with other entrepreneurs and learn more about the startup community and find startups to invest in. Some of these sites include AngelList, Gust, and StartupNation.
How do I use them?
The best way to use online networking sites is by creating a profile and then searching for startups that match your interests. You can also send requests to connect with other entrepreneurs.
What should I do when I find them?
When you find a profile that interests you, the best thing to do is send a request to connect. This will allow you to start a conversation and learn more about their company.
Startup communities are a great way to meet other entrepreneurs, learn about the latest startup news, and find the best startups to invest in.
In conclusion, these are a few of the best ways to find local startup communities and learn more about investment opportunities.