Think of some oxymorons. And then think about this- “templatized entrepreneurship”.

In case you are actively looking for starting your own (tech/web) venture- and looking for any kind of assistance- financial or otherwise- be prepared for these templatized requirements from establishments:

Template 1) Single entrepreneurs are not welcome.Entrepreneurship support/financing companies are of the belief system that starting business is something that necessarily needs more than one founders.

This started from the hotbed of all such activities- Silicon Valley. Their Asian counterparts- as expected- take the template apply here. But is this requirement true of startup success /entrepreneurship all over the world? Is the culture in Asia more individual led than partnerships led?

This presentation from TED India descibes some nuances in the different value structures between the East and the West:

Template 2) If you are tech start up- not only do you need multiple partners, at least one of them has to be ‘Technology’ background.

Template 3) The younger you are, the more schemes there are for you. Age is inversely proportional to the chances of getting funding- and is directly proportional to the demands from the prospective venture

Template 4) Don’t get your spouse involved in the business. An incompetent partner is more welcome that a competent spouse. No body wants a Mom and pop show.

Template 5) A bad idea that everyone else is doing- is more valuable than a ‘good’ concept that no one is pursuing.

So in case you are looking for funding- follow these templates. And remember- it is always more important to spend your time in contests, shows and funding presentations.The work on business can wait- get the glamor on first.

Think about it

Shalabh