MONTHLY CHANCE MEETINGS
Monday, March 3rd, 5 - 7 pm @ The Virginian Saloon
Please register below
|
|
|
Sometimes all you need is the right connection and a little inspiration. Well, what are you waiting for? Find both at our free monthly networking event. You never know...
|
|
|
Theme: Founders’ Legal Landmines: Avoiding Common Contractual Pitfalls
Join us for an invaluable Chance Meetings on Monday, March 3rd from 5-7pm at the Virginian Saloon with Austin Harms, Founder and Managing Partner of Startup Venture Advisors, as he uncovers the most critical legal mistakes startups make in founding documents, partnership agreements, and early-stage contracts. Learn to recognize red flags and implement preventative strategies to protect your business from costly missteps.
With extensive experience advising startups and emerging growth companies, Austin specializes in corporate formation, governance, venture financing, and mergers and acquisitions. Before founding Startup Venture Advisors (SVA), he served as Counsel at Perkins Coie LLP, one of the world’s top corporate law firms, where he advised high-profile technology companies. An active investor in the startup space, Austin brings insider knowledge on how to navigate legal challenges and position your venture for success.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert insights and safeguard your startup’s future!
A Noontime Knowledge session with Austin on "Fundraising Legal Essentials" will be held on Thursday, March 6th. Please see details and link to registration below.
|
|
|
|
Austin Harms leads Startup Venture Advisors as its Managing Partner. He advises and partners with founders, investors, and directors to strategize and execute high-value transactions at every stage of the startup lifecycle, including formation, fundraising (e.g., equity, debt, and SAFE financings), and M&A. He also counsels companies on sensitive corporate situations, commercial agreements, intellectual property, employment and tax matters, equity compensation, general corporate governance, securities laws, and restructurings. His clients span various industries, including e-commerce, artificial intelligence, agriculture and food technology, gaming, and climate. As an entrepreneur himself, he brings a practical and commercially oriented approach to legal services and a passion for supporting the entrepreneurs building the future.
Before launching Startup Venture Advisors, Harms was Counsel in the emerging companies and venture capital practice of Perkins Coie LLP. At Perkins Coie, he led internal teams of attorneys and managed client relationships with over 150 early-stage companies and investors. Additionally, he served on the firmwide Associate & Counsel Committee, representing the interests of Perkins Coie’s associates in firm matters.
|
|
|
WBC RELAUNCHES QUARTERLY KICKSTART GRANT PROGRAM
The Wyoming Business Council Kickstart Grant Program is back and will be offered on a quarterly basis! Grants are designed to support growth-oriented startups within the state of Wyoming to overcome initial hurdles through funding, mentorship, and future growth opportunities. The program is here to help launch businesses into their next phase of growth.
The WBC manages the awards program with money from the ENDOW Fund housed in the Governor's Office. The program offers up to $50,000 grants to three Wyoming-based businesses each quarter.
Applications for the next cycle will be open from March 1 to 31, 2025.
|
|
GET FUNDRAISING READY WITH NOONTIME KNOWLEDGE
THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH
|
|
VISIONARY VENTURES: WITH TRUST, HEALTHY CONFLICT CAN LEAD TO INNOVATION
In our latest Visionary Ventures column, Pat Kearney—Silicon Couloir’s Summit Forum facilitator and Founder of Eddyline Coaching—explores the critical role of conflict in organizational success. As Kearney explains, “The difference between success and stagnation in today’s organizations often comes down to how teams handle conflict. At its best, conflict drives innovation and sparks breakthrough ideas. At its worst, it tears teams apart.”
In this insightful piece, Kearney shares practical strategies for fostering healthy conflict—transforming tension into a catalyst for trust, creativity, and innovation. Read the full article for expert recommendations on strengthening teams and driving organizational growth.
|
|
LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH PROMETHEUS HYPERSCALE, A DYNAMIC WYOMING COMPANY
Prometheus Hyperscale is at the forefront of developing next generation hyperscale data centers, driving innovation in infrastructure, sustainability, and economic growth. Our mission is to power the digital economy while fostering strong relationships with government, academia, and industry leaders to create meaningful policy and economic development opportunities.
Career Opportunity: We are seeking a highly motivated individual to lead our engagement with government officials at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as to build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, business associations, and industry stakeholders. This Analyst, Policy and Partnerships role is critical in advancing Prometheus Hyperscale’s public policy priorities, supporting economic development initiatives, and strengthening our presence in key markets.
The position will be based in Jackson, WY and requires some on-site presence and occasional travel.
|
|
START-UP SUCCESS: FUNDAMENTALS
JOIN A DYNAMIC COHORT
We're pleased to announce that we'll be offering our popular Start-Up Success: Fundamentals course again this spring with instructors Sandy Schultz Hessler and Liza Millet. We have a growing and dynamic group with a few spots remaining. Start-Up Success is a seven week business intensive program for nascent and established entrepreneurs, small business owners, and non-profit leaders. The course is taught over two weekends and seven Wednesday evenings. Using a proven framework for success, students will learn key business frameworks, tools, and financial templates along with developing answers to the essential questions for a start-up. Students will gain skills, strategy, confidence, and community while building and developing a values-based business. The course is filling quickly, so apply now.
Early bird pricing ends March 15th!
|
|
|
|
| Above: The 2024 Start-Up Success cohort at their final presentations. |
|
|
|
PRESENTING SILICON COULOIR'S 2024 IMPACT REPORT
At Silicon Couloir, we believe that entrepreneurship fuels innovation, strengthens communities, and drives sustainable economic growth. Over the past 13 years, our commitment to supporting visionary founders and business leaders has transformed the entrepreneurial landscape in the Teton region and beyond. Today, we are proud to share our multimedia 2024 Impact Report—highlighting a year of expansion, increased capacity, and a thriving community of changemakers.
With new leadership and an expanding statewide footprint, Silicon Couloir is on a steady course toward deeper impact. Our growing suite of programs, strategic partnerships, and dedicated network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors continue to create opportunities for success. Since our founding in 2013, we have connected over 18,000 business professionals, served over 700 entrepreneurs, and helped catalyze more than $150 million in resources and direct capital.
This year we celebrate not only our historical impact but also the momentum that will shape the future of entrepreneurship in Wyoming. Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we are building a stronger, more innovative, and more resilient business ecosystem that fuels next generation leaders and innovators.
|
|
NATIONAL LEADERS WILL LEAD CENTRAL WYOMING INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE
The Central Wyoming Innovation & Entrepreneurship Conference: Partnering for Progress will take place on April 10-11, 2025, at Central Wyoming College in Riverton, WY. Featuring national business leaders Tabatha Coffey, Bill Rancic, and Mike Wandler as keynote speakers, the conference will provide valuable insights into economic development, entrepreneurship, and business strategy. Attendees—including business owners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and students—will have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions, professional development workshops, and networking events. The event will conclude with a special concert by Wyoming native and country music star Chancey Williams.
This conference, generously sponsored by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, will also highlight statewide organizations such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Workforce Services, Wind River Development Fund, and the Wyoming Business Council, among others. Governor Mark Gordon emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and business acumen to strengthen Wyoming’s future workforce. Silicon Couloir and Central Wyoming College, long-time supporters of business development in the region, are proud to collaborate on this initiative.
|
|
THE COWORK SPACE ACHIEVES SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS LEADERS DESIGNATION AND GRANT
Silicon Couloir is proud to be recognized as a Sustainable Business Leader, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility in Jackson Hole. Through this program, we received a competitive grant to reduce energy, water and waste at The Cowork Space. Together, we’re building a more resilient and environmentally conscious future for the Teton region.
|
|
HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?
As always, please feel free to send news of your company's press, events, successes, and milestones to Rob@siliconcouloir.com and we'll do our best to feature them in our newsletters!
|
|
|
ARE YOU A COMMUNITY CARETAKER?
|
|
Silicon Couloir strengthens our Teton regional community by empowering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. More than just business development, we believe in enriching our community character and enhancing our mountain town culture. Help us support business pioneers in the Tetons by becoming a community caretaker!
To offer your time or talent, please email us at Rob@siliconcouloir.com.
|
|
|
|
