Techstars Startup Weekend — New Orleans
Join us Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18 for Techstars Startup Weekend New Orleans!
Why Startup Weekend?
Learn how to launch a business in one weekend
Get coached by great mentors who have launched their own businesses
Create relationships and build your network
Get access to valuable startup resources
Get ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit at the Techstars Startup Weekend New Orleans! Join us for a whirlwind weekend of innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just curious about the startup world, this is your chance to dive into the vibrant New Orleans tech scene and make your mark. With the Techstars Team leading the charge, you'll have the opportunity to pitch ideas, form teams, and build something amazing in just 54 hours.
Expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with like-minded innovators, mentors ready to share their wisdom, and plenty of opportunities to network and have fun. So mark your calendars, bring your A-game, and get ready for a weekend that could change everything. Let’s make some magic happen in the Big Easy!
Meals, beverages, coffee, and snacks provided throughout the weekend.
Event Schedule
Friday, May 16
5:00 PM Check-in
6:00 PM Welcome & Dinner
6:30 PM Event Overview
7:00 PM Pitches Begin
8:00 PM Voting & Team Formation
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM Team Working Sessions
Saturday, May 17
8:30 AM Morning Announcements & Breakfast
9:00 AM Team Working Sessions
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Mentor Check-ins & Team Working Sessions
7:00 PM Dinner
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM Team Working Sessions
Sunday, May 18
8:30 AM Morning Announcements & Breakfast
9:00 AM Team Working Sessions
10:00 AM Mentor Check-ins
12:00 PM Lunch
5:00 PM Pitch Competition
7:00 PM Dinner
Global Sponsors:
Terms of Participation Agreement:
It is our job to provide you with an incredible networking and learning experience. Our intention is that you meet some amazing people that you might start a company with, learn from mentors and learn from your peers. The event is intended to be a collaborative forum for sharing, learning, building, and having fun. As such, by registering as a participant, you acknowledge that any ideas shared by you or anyone else over the course of the event are contributions to the overall experience and community. If you’re very concerned, you can limit your pitch to the rough outline of the idea without giving away key information.
As a member of your startup community, you agree to be inclusive of any and all people and their ideas. You agree to act professionally, treat everyone with respect, and treat the event facilities with proper care. You agree that you are responsible in the event of any accidents or damages that you cause. You also agree to not hold Techstars Startup Weekend, your local volunteer team, or any of the event supporters liable for any loss, damage, injury, or any other unforeseeable incident.
By participating in the event, you grant Techstars permission to capture photos/videos of the event and use them for marketing purposes, so we can continue to offer amazing Techstars Startup Weekends around the world.
By purchasing a ticket to a Techstars Startup Weekend event, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you have questions please reach out to privacy@techstars.com.
Techstars Startup Weekend Participant FAQ
Before the Weekend
Is this event for me?
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, the answer is most likely yes! Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or new to the startup scene, you’ll fit right in as long as you are motivated to build a product or startup and are open to new ideas. Techstars Startup Weekend is a collaborative and inclusive space for sharing, learning, building, and having fun.
Do I have to participate in all three days?
Yes, participants are expected to attend all three days to ensure a complete experience and minimize disruptions for their team. Some events offer a "Sunday Presentation Only" ticket for those who want to view final presentations. Check your local event website for availability.
How do I register?
Visit Techstars Events to find a Startup Weekend near you. Events typically offer different ticket types based on skill sets (e.g., Business, Designer, Technical). Choose the ticket that best matches your background.
Can I pay at the door?
Some events allow payment at the door, but it is recommended to buy tickets in advance to help organizers plan catering and supplies. Contact local organizers for payment details.
Do I need a team?
No, participants join and form teams at the event. Teams should have diverse skill sets to develop a strong minimum viable product (MVP) by Sunday.
What ticket type should I purchase to pitch an idea?
Pitching is open to all participants. Purchase the ticket that best represents your skill set.
Will accommodation be provided?
Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and transportation. Reach out to the local organizing team for recommendations.
Do I have to pitch an idea to attend?
No, but pitching is encouraged! You can pitch a brand-new idea or one you've just thought of at the event. However, pre-developed ideas are discouraged.
What are the judging criteria?
Business Model: Feasibility, scalability, and revenue generation.
Customer Validation: Market research and user interviews.
Execution & Design: MVP development and usability.
Where can I find the event schedule?
Each event has a posted schedule on its website, typically available three weeks before the event.
What should I bring for an in-person event?
Laptop and charger
Notepad and pen
Business cards
Phone (for photos and networking)
Optional: Second monitor, keyboard, etc.
Lots of energy!
How do I prepare?
Research the problem you want to solve.
Practice your 60-second pitch.
Get familiar with tools like Lean Canvas.
Get enough rest before the event!
What is the refund policy?
Refunds are typically honored up to 72 hours before the event. Contact your local organizing team for details.
What are the event rules?
Inclusivity: All ideas and backgrounds are welcome.
Collaboration: Teams work together, and ideas shared are contributions to the community.
Professionalism: Respect participants and the venue.
Liability: Participants are responsible for their actions and any damages they cause.
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During the Weekend
What happens on each day?
Friday: Networking, dinner, icebreaker, speaker, and 60-second pitches. Participants vote, form teams, and begin work.
Saturday: Teamwork, mentor sessions, and short workshops.
Sunday: Final preparations, pitch practice, and presentations to judges.
What types of ideas can I pitch?
All business ideas are welcome. However, the event is tech-oriented, so having a tech-related deliverable (e.g., website, app) is recommended.
Can I pitch multiple ideas?
Depending on time constraints, you may pitch more than one idea. Prioritize your best idea first.
Can I pitch my existing business?
No, Startup Weekend is for building new businesses from scratch. Existing businesses will be disqualified.
What if my idea isn’t selected?
You can still join another team or, with organizer approval, work on your own idea with enough team members.
Am I expected to work 54 hours?
No, but some teams choose to work late into the night. The focus is on productivity, not exhaustion.
What resources are available?
Talks and workshops on relevant topics.
Mentors providing guidance on business, tech, and marketing.
Startup tools and frameworks like Lean Canvas.
How do teams handle Intellectual Property?
Techstars does not claim ownership over ideas. However, Startup Weekend is a learning experience, and participants should be mindful of sharing proprietary ideas. Legal agreements are not permitted at the event.
What should be accomplished by Sunday?
Customer Validation: Have you validated your idea with real users?
Execution & Design: Have you built a functional MVP?
Business Model: Do you have a future plan?
Common presentation formats include:
Website or app demos
Product videosSlide decks
Live demonstrations
Why is there a competition?
While Startup Weekend is an educational experience, competition adds a realistic element of startup life.
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After the Weekend
Are teams expected to continue after the event?
Continuing the project is entirely up to the team.
How can I get more involved?
Organize a Startup Weekend: Apply to run an event in your community.
Join a Techstars portfolio company: Gain experience by working with a startup.
Share your story: Let Techstars know about your Startup Weekend success.
Sign up for Techstars Startup Digest: Stay updated on startup events.
Attend a Techstars Virtual Meet & Greet: Learn about mentorship-driven accelerators.
Join a Techstars Accelerator: Apply to a three-month accelerator program.
What support does Techstars provide?
Startup Weekend is just the beginning. Techstars offers resources, mentorship, and accelerator programs to help you grow your startup. Learn more at Techstars.com.
Didn’t find what you need? Contact your local organizing team or email help@techstars.com.
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Appendix: Glossary of Startup Terms
Persona: A customer profile used for marketing strategies.
Problem/Solution Fit: Validating a problem and potential solution through research.
Product/Market Fit: A product with demonstrated traction in the market.
Pivot: A strategic shift in business direction based on feedback.
Lean Startup: A methodology focused on iterative development.
Customer Development: Talking to users to validate business assumptions.
Unique Value Proposition: A clear statement of a product’s benefit.
Prototype: A rough version of a product to convey value.
MVP (Minimum Viable Product): A basic but functional version of a product.
Go-to-Market: A strategy for acquiring customers.
CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost): The cost of gaining one customer.
LTV (Lifetime Value): The total revenue generated by a customer.
B2B (Business-to-Business): A model where businesses sell to other businesses.
B2C (Business-to-Consumer): A model where businesses sell directly to consumers.