We recently interviewed Matt Wilson, co-founder of Under30CEO. Under30CEO is the leading media site covering news, advice, trends & events for the young entrepreneur. Our events bring together the top innovators in New York City.

 

DIIP: When and why did you start this group/organization?

MW:  After graduating from college in 2008, we realized that there was a serious lack of resources for entrepreneurs our age.  In college we were surrounded by smart, young, innovative people, but finding that niche after graduation was very difficult.  We wanted to bring together the most ambitious young people we could find and we did that first through Under30CEO.com and then with our events in New York.

 

DIIP: What type of events do you have and how often are they held (i.e. pitch parties, seminars, conferences, happy hours)?

MW:  Entrepreneur Matchmaking, Demo/Pitch Competitions and a conference coming soon.

 

DIIP: What is your value proposition to those that attend?

MW:  Our demo/pitch events are branded as The Tough Question Competition.  We offer candid feedback by top notch investors, who give the feedback that these young founders need to hear.  The startups and the audience alike benefit from learning what angel investors and venture capitalists would actually say in the board room.  No sugar coating allowed.

 

DIIP: What makes your group unique or different from other groups?

MW:  While you don't have to be under thirty years old to attend, the best thing about our events is everyone is young at heart.  Attendees really feel like they can connect with one another because everyone shares a common interest and attitude in building businesses that they are passionate about.

 

DIIP: Why do you think it is so important for people to go out to your events and “do it in person?”

MW:  Entrepreneurship is a lonely endeavor and connecting with other people going through the same things is one of the smartest things you can do when trying to grow your business.

 

DIIP: Describe the ideal attendee to your events.

MW:  Someone with the passion and drive to build their business at all costs.  Our attendees are looking to connect with like-minded people who are building businesses at a young age.

DIIP: How has your group evolved since you started it?

MW:  Two years ago we encouraged our readers to organize all across the globe using Meetups Everywhere.  We decided that we should organize our community in New York City every month or so in various bars in Manhattan just to hang out for happy hour.   Our events have since grown to over 200 people in venues such as Microsoft's NYC HQ and the Empire State Building with top speakers like Peter Shankman of HARO and Alexis Ohanian of Reddit.

DIIP: What tip or tips would you give to an attendee of your event on how to make it successful for them?

MW:  Figure out how you can add value in every conversation.  Don't go around talking to people and asking them what they can do for you.  Build your network by helping others.

DIIP: What do you look for when choosing a venue?

MW:  We look for a place where our attendees would want to hang out in the first place.  Not just anyone can walk into Microsoft or the Empire State Building and meet entrepreneurs and have a drink.  This type of venue makes people excited to attend.

 

DIIP: How do you judge the success of an event?

MW:  We strictly judge the success of an event by the energy level inside the venue.  If people are excited to be there, connecting with one another and everyone is having a good time, the event is a success.

 

DIIP: If you could pick one person that you would want to speak at/attend your event, who would it be and why?

MW:  Richard Branson.  Regardless of his age, the attitude that he embodies is timeless.  Branson has an amazing method to building businesses and having fun at the same time and that's what Under30CEO was founded upon.

 

Under30CEO is holding its next event, Under30CEO Demo/Pitches: The Tough Question Competition, on Thursday, March 15, 2012 - . To register, please visit: http://under30ceonyc16.eventbrite.com/.

 

To learn more about Under30CEO, please email Matt Wilson at matt@under30ceo.com. You can also follow Under30CEO on twitter: @Under30CEO or via Facebook at http://facebook.com/under30ceo.

 

If you would like to have your group featured on the Do It In Person blog, please email info@doitinperson.com.