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Sparks Weekend 2024

"Will The Dogs Hunt?
Ticket Sales Opening SOON.

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November 15th-17th

@Catalyst

601 E. Riverside Ave

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About

Sparks Weekend

The theme for Sparks Weekend 2024 is “Validating Ideas – Does the Dog Hunt?” A term of art in the Venture Capital Industry, “Does the Dog Hunt” is the fundamental question investors strive to answer when evaluating a potential investment in a new company. 

The ideas and teams selected on Friday night will be paired with a mentor and over the course of the weekend will be challenged to research and respond to a series of questions pertaining to;

  • The underlying passion
  • Unfair advantages
  • Customer demand
  • Go to market strategies
  • Business models
  • Competition
  • Team
  • Capital requirements

Unlike in previous years, the intent is not to produce a “pitch deck” for presentation to a panel of judges. The objective of Sparks Weekend 2024 is to simulate the process and rigor comparable to how leading incubators validate new ideas. The results, by design, will vary. Some may be validated, others may pivot in a new direction and some may go back to the drawing board.

Everyone, however, is expected to receive valuable guidance, gain experience and develop new relationships. There will be no winners or losers. 

Awards will be determined by a panel of judges in the following categories:

  • Most thoroughly validated
  • Most viable 
  • Best pivot
  • Best non-hunting dog

Following Sparks Weekend, all founders and teams desiring to move forward and build their business will be encouraged to engage with the Ignite Studio team to explore securing capital to execute their plans.

Sparks Weekend is open to anyone that has an idea for a company or who has started a company in the last twelve months.

TA McCann, Managing Director with Seattle-based Pioneer Square Labs, one of the nation’s leading incubators, will be this year’s Keynote Speaker.



Sparks Weekend is an "all inclusive" event:

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will all be provided to all participants.


  • DAY ONE

    Friday 11/17

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  • DAY ONE

    Friday 11/17

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60 Second Pitch Night


For those of you who have come here with an idea, a concept or a dream, tonight is your time to shine and you only have 60 seconds to do it. Use your time wisely. Your pitch should be concise, descriptive and inspirational. 

Learn more

  • DAY TWO

    Saturday 11/18

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  • DAY TWO

    Saturday 11/18

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  • DAY TWO

    Saturday 11/18

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  • DAY TWO

    Saturday 11/18

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  • DAY TWO

    Saturday 11/18

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Hustle, Hack & Build Your MVP


Today is a day of action. You and your team should be focused on validating your business concept. Depending on what your business is, this may take different forms. It could be developing a prototype, outlining your minimum viable product (MVP), on-boarding early adopters or making your first sale.

Learn more

  • DAY THREE

    Sunday 11/19

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  • DAY THREE

    Sunday 11/19

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  • DAY THREE

    Sunday 11/19

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Final Sprint & Presentations


It’s time to wrap up whatever you’ve decided is the best mechanism to prove that your business is viable and focus on the presentation. Tonight’s presentation is the face of your business, no matter how hard you’ve worked this weekend, it comes down to these seven minutes to illustrate that you have a business that can withstand the challenges of the real world.

Learn more

Watch recaps of our previous events:

Event Agenda

view detailed Agenda

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should attend?

    Anyone interested in a fast-paced, exciting opportunity to apply, hone, and learn skills, meet people, think like an entrepreneur, and, of course, have a passion for launching a for-profit business idea into reality. Don't worry if you don't have a specialized skill set; our "Startup Enthusiast" ticket is for everyone interested in joining a new business. 

  • What should I expect to accomplish?

    You will have the opportunity to present your idea, build or join a team, develop an idea into a minimum viable product (MVP), and pitch to our judges/investors for funding.

  • I’m not a developer, designer or marketer, can I still attend?

    Yes! The event is open to everyone!  Every business needs all types of people to be successful. Our "Startup Enthusiast" category is for all people interested in being a part of building a new business. 


    For example, if you are in finance. Every business needs cashflow management, good accounting, and bookkeeping.

  • Only software ideas and developers?

    No, the event is open to anyone with an idea for a business or an interest in being a part of building a company from the ground up. 

  • Can I come with my own team and idea?

    Yes, you can come with your own team and business concept that you have been working on. However, businesses already established with a business license are considered too far along for this event. 

  • 72 hours?

    Yes, the amazing opportunity is to pack massive ideation, creation, and funding into a weekend.  Sparks Weekend intends to launch businesses! Our goal is that you are infected by the energy and enthusiasm that you’ll engage, join a team, and stay for the whole experience. Our event is structured like a long hackathon. 

  • What if I can’t stay the whole time?

    It's okay if you need to step away for a period of time to attend to your other responsibilities. 

  • What if I don’t have a business idea?

    That’s okay! We encourage you to join a team that has an idea that inspires you to apply/hone your skills, and launch a new business!

Mentors

ORGANIZERS

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