Momentum

Momentum to stage Michigan Lean Startup Conference in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS – Grand Rapids based seed accelerator Momentum, kicks off its 2011 program with The Michigan Lean Startup Conference. “Lean Startup” is a set of methods to rapidly prototype new business models, test market assumptions much faster and generally “reduce waste.” The conference takes place May 19, 2011 at Grand Valley State University’s Eberhard Center.

“We want to introduce Michigan’s entrepreneurs, investors and educators to a more efficient way of proving out new businesses,” said Bill Holsinger-Robinson, director of Momentum. “The speed at which we can know a business’ viability has accelerated, and traditional launch plans waste time and money.”

Eric Ries is creator of the Lean Startup Methodology and keynote speaker. Other speakers at the Lean Startup Conference include Dan Martell of (Strategies for Fast Growth Entrepreneurs), Rob Walling (Start Small, Stay Small: A Developer’s Guide to Launching a Startup), Patrick Vlaskovits and Brant Cooper (The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Customer Development). A Founder’s Panel and an Investor/Legal Panel will share insight on what it takes to build a successful lean startup.

“The Lean Startup is a disciplined approach to building companies that matter,” said Ries. “It’s designed to dramatically reduce the risk associated with bringing a new product to market by building the company from the ground up for rapid iteration and learning. It requires dramatically less capital than older models, and can find profitability sooner.”

Local tech companies , as well as organizations from throughout the state, partnered with Momentum to stage the conference. Conference committee members Shawn Crowley and Mike Marsiglia of Atomic Object, Dan Morrison and Brian Ryckbost of Collective Idea, and Dug Song of Ann Arbor’s A2Newtech are playing a crucial role in planning, recruitment of speakers, and promotion of the event.

Cost of the conference is $150, which includes a lean startup book bundle. The Momentum Kick-off Celebration directly follows the conference, where the Momentum 2011 companies are introduced.

Register and get more information at leanstartupmi.com

Momentum is the Grand Rapids-based seed accelerator that provides early investments, intellectual capital and extensive mentorship to internet technology start-ups. Each year, up to five companies are invited to participate in a 12-week lean startup bootcamp where help is provided to develop their product, test customer adoption, refine their business model and connect them to resources that can help them quickly accelerate to market.