Entrepreneurs need to get their product in front of real, live people as early as possible to test the need for what they’re offering, said one expert during an event featuring several women tech entrepreneurs.
The advice was part of the keynote address at a pitch event for WiSTEM, a program connecting women entrepreneurs to capital, community and technology resources. The program is hosted by 1871, an entrepreneurial hub in Chicago dedicated to digital startups.
Read on and click through for more insights and details from the event.
chicagotribune.com – Entrepreneurs need to get ideas in front of people ASAP to make sure customers actually want their products, a Chicago financial tech pioneer said.
Many businesses fail simply because they settle on products for which there is no customer need, said Kristi Ross, co-CEO of Dough, Inc., which includes the Tastytrade online financial network and the younger-skewing Dough trading platform.
“An important part is making sure when you have an idea or a product, you get it out there,” said Ross, offering tips on Thursday to a group of women-led startups and their supporters.
Ross was the keynote speaker at latest pitch event for WiSTEM, 1871’s program for women-led startups. About 300 people turned out to hear the incubator’s second cohort of companies pitch their products.
The 12 startups that pitched included a science, technology, engineering and math education program; a service offering to help employee engagement; and a platform to make the immigration process smoother.
Ross’ company launched Tastytrade with a heavier emphasis on fun, hiring Second City comedians to keep things light.
