To build a successful startup in the current competitive US high-tech information systems market, a wide set of skills and elements are necessary among which the technology itself is only one. In this talk first dynamics of high-tech start-ups and a set of important elements needed for their success in the current market is reviewed at the top level. Then specific attentions are given to two important elements. One is the crucial role of a solid and timely business development strategy accompanied with an efficient execution. The second is the vital role for the venture capital funding. An overview of the venture capital funding process and its current situation in US is provided. Moreover, the crucial role of the venture capital in making hyper-growth possible for successful start-ups is discussed. At the end few thoughts on some advantages and disadvantages in building high-tech startups in Iran will be presented. The goal is to open up discussions with the audience who have experience in similar process in Iran and discuss possible means to increase its efficiency by leveraging the advantages. This talk can be useful for both the entrepreneurs and players in private investment in software and high tech industries.

Biography of Dr. AmirZarkesh

Dr. Amir Zarkesh is a founder and the CEO of ZAIAS Technologies Corporation founded in January 2000. ZAIAS is provider of next-generation datamining technologies for applications in financial markets. Prior to that, in January 1998, he co-founded Transcendent Design Technology, a provider of advanced software tools for designers of complex electromechanical systems. As a principal, Amir managed the development of Transcendent's next generation simulation tools. Viewlogic Systems acquired Transcendent in August 1999. Prior to that, Amir managed development of Electronics Design Automation software and next-generation VLSI power analysis software as a principal at the Advanced Development Group of Viewlogic Systems. During 1998-99 he has been one of the initiators and the co-chair of the standard body for Verilog Analog Mixed Signal Simulation complex multi-disciplinary systems in OVI/IEEE. Prior to that he was the co-chair of the power/timing library standard for VLSI design at OVI/IEEE. In recent years, he has also been involved in development of new image datamining and registration software at Medical Imaging Lab in Radiology Department of UCLA. He has also led a research project for datamining of web users profiles in collaboration with Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC) at USC. Amir has three US pending patents on electronics design automation and advanced datamining methods. Amir has been a founder and the President of Open Research Network, a non-profit organization studying technology growth in developing countries. He obtained his MS in Electrical Engineering and PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics from UCLA in 1995 under a scholarship from Department of Energy where he did research on complex systems near phase transition. Amir received his BS in Electrical Engineering from Tehran University in 1988.