Session 6:
Common Startup Mistakes;
The Blues-Print for Innovation
Thursday, January 28, 2027
6:00pm to 9:00pm Eastern Time  Room: 10-250

Part 1: Common Startup Mistakes

Your Idea is great.   You have good feedback from potential customers.   You are convinced that your Strategy is correct.   So how come you are having trouble raising money or attracting a team or partners?

Over and over again entrepreneurs make the same mistakes.   Experienced investors, partners, and employees are alert for the pitfalls.   This session will discuss these pitfalls, how to recognize them, and what to do about them.

Founding CEO of Z Corporation Marina Hatsopoulos was the Founding CEO of Z Corporation, an early market leader in 3D printing out of MIT.    She is an experienced entrepreneur, investor and mentor and will talk about the 10 most common mistakes she has seen made by entrepreneurs.  LinkedIn Page

Part 2: The Blues-Print for Innovation

Many of the characteristics of a high-performing innovation ecosystem are also found in the discipline, collaboration and risk-taking of a blues band.   Improvising in a musical context is in many ways quite similar to collaborating without a written score.

In this session, Bob will bring his electric guitar and a ratty-looking amplifier and will weave live musical demonstrations into his talk. He will use the blues to showcase the structures around innovation, the role of collaboration with colleagues who can take risks, and the importance of understanding your audience/customers. The talk will be unconventional but pragmatic (and fun…).

Author, Start-up advisor; Serial Healthcare Industry Entrepreneur Bob has started four companies and served as CEO of a company that's publicly traded on the Hong Kong exchange.  His book The Start-Up Starter Kit: How to Avoid Failing in the Crucial First Two Years is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.