Day Three: Facebook and Socialtext
This morning kicked off with a 9am at Facebook. The PV crew were all excited. And for good reason, as we got a tour of three of their buildings. The Facebook guys were incredibly generous with their time. So frank, welcoming and friendly. There’s even talk of a soccer match on Friday. Team PV vs Team Facebook. We were all really in awe of the Facebook welcome at the end of the tour. Little did we know, our day was certainly not yet done.
Next up, Ross Mayfield and Socialtext. In the generous time that he gave the tour, Ross outlined the do’s and don’ts of tech enterpreneurship. From organisational structure, to sourcing the best advisers, networking and knowing when the time is right to jump for VC cash. All sound, practical advice tempered by hard-won experience and delivered impeccably. I could have stayed there listening to him for another two hours, at least. The whole PV crew was enthralled and time went by incredibly fast. I know that everyone left the office on cloud nine. All buzzing from the experience. We followed with lunch at Miyake.
In the evening, we attended the Pitch Forum in Mountain View. Turnout was bigger than I expected. The crowd was a mix of ex-pat entrepreneurs, lawyers, investors and interested professionals. Ambassador Collins kicked off the evening, a VC panel debate on funding followed. The pitchers made their two minute case to the VCs and answered questions. Damien recorded the pitch presentations, so they’ll turn up soon. Helene from Nubiq impressed the panel most and won an Apple gift. With the pitching over, the session ended and some serious networking kicked off. All of the PV entrepreneurs worked the room for an hour and a half.
We ended the night by going to The Old Pro (warning - has loud sounds!). After all the who-ha over the $3 Buckin Bronco, we had no takers. Typically Irish. The call of a sup is much too strong.
Photos here.