Member Spotlight:
Olivia Steimke
Bluestone Life
School: UVM
Office: VCET@BTV

After I graduated from UVM, I was immediately attracted to Bluestone’s core mission. I felt that it was closely aligned with my own personal beliefs. Bluestone’s mission is “to be a catalyst for human progress; protecting families, communities, and the planet for the next 7 generations.” That really resonated with me because I think that financial companies should be focused on more than just making money.
My job is to help our CEO and some of our other employees with organization and scheduling, as well as the adoption of new software. Everyone here at VCET is so friendly and its such a diverse crowd. I enjoy being around a lot of people and making connections with people I might otherwise not have known. In addition, I really appreciate seeing so many familiar faces. When I recognize other VCET members around town, even if I don’t know them personally, it gives me a sense of community.
News

VCET ninja, Mark Brooks
VCET member THINKmd was recently named a winner of the DAI Global Award. THINKmd was one of 296 applications from around the world, one of 9 finalists, and one of 4 winners. As a winner, THINKmd receives $20k in seed funding and the opportunity for a field visit to a DAI project in-country to assess their product/market fit with partners in the field. THINKmd will likely head to Guatemala with DAI later this summer with a focus on the Zika outbreak. Check out the announcement here.
Congratulations also to member Mark Brooks who has become VCET resident Ninja, earning his 6th degree Black Belt.
If you’re from southern VT, or headed down that way, you should keep Coworking Plus on your radar. The Brattleboro-based coworking space is launching soon, following a successful interest meeting on June 14th that garnered 18 Founding Member pledges.
In other news, VCET continues to grow to over 140 members across the UVM, Middlebury and FairPoint Technology Hub locations!
Recommended Reading
Jessica Livingston’s Pretty Complete List on How Not to Fail
Jessica Livingston, co-founder of Y Combinator, gives an insightful examination of how startups can set themselves up to succeed in her keynote address to the third annual Female Founders Conference.
How to Preempt Team Conflict
Working on a team can be great, but it can also be challenging. The Harvard Business Review provides some great strategies for navigating team struggles.
38 Startup Pitch Decks From Companies That Changed The World
“As an entrepreneur you need to be a rockstar at storytelling if you want to land capital from investors during your financing rounds.”
What Your Opportunity Slide is Missing – Make Investors Believe
Including an opportunity slide as part of your investor pitch is an often overlooked key to creating a great pitch and attracting VC partners.
Great Opportunities
Vermont Technical College is offering certificates in web development and beginner and advanced software development. Learn how to apply here.
Consider taking advantage of the networking and professional development opportunities offered by the Burlington Young Professionals. Get your membership here.
Plan ahead for the third annual FreshTracks Road Pitch taking place August 1st-5th, 2016. If you’re an entrepreneur seeking advice or capital, this is a great opportunity. Contact your local organizer for a slot and learn more here.
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