Google and I are dating. We had our 2nd date Friday which is now back-to-back dates last week.
Thursday, the TSF portfolio companies (Spring and Fall) particpiated in a Virtual Field Trip with 5 Google guys out in Mountain View, CA where they were able to learn more about Google offerings and figure out ways to engage in their platforms.
Friday, I was invited to speak to a roomful of budding entrepreneurs that the local Google guys had brought together as part of their Google for Entrepreneurs initiative. Though the attendance was a little light – the meet & greet (and the food) was the highlight. The event also included a few local university folks – all of whom are waving the same optimistic entrepreneurial message. Marshall Brain is a new addition to the NC State team and a great addition at that.
I had run into Mike Reed early in the accelerator journey I have been on for the past 3 years but it had been awhile. Same for Joe Gregorio who I run into more often. These guys are studs. Experienced, smart with kick-ass stories to share. And, they are nice guys.
Mike has a great slide-deck chronicling his college-college-corporation-startup-corporation-startup-corporation life sequence. Ask him about it. Joe is a classic evangelist. He knows his stuff so find him too. That is what they asked of everyone. If you are a budding entrepreneur, make sure you find the Google team.