Over the past 2 years at Seedcamp I’ve met and worked with hundreds of amazing technology entrepreneurs, investors, and experts around the World, via 36 flights, in 14 countries, at 22 Seedcamps.  According to Dopplr, my average speed has been that of a duck.

So where to next? My next adventure is building my own startup and growing an awesome business.  I’ve a particular passion for building engaging experiences and plan to design interactive guides for museums/attractions/galleries which focus on the compelling objects and stories which make them so great.  For example, imagine a mobile application which allows you to go on a safari at London Zoo where kids (or big kids :-), are the photographers aiming to capture animals from different continents. I’m starting up from scratch so If that sounds interesting, get in touch!

At Seedcamp, I’ve really enjoyed working with and helping build the Seedcamp network of teams and mentors, It’s rare to meet such a smart and knowledgable bunch.  From them I’ve learned so much about building a smart businesses, and the technology space in general.  I’ve seen that the best startups keep their network up to date with progress and ask for help when when it’s needed - I look forward to following their lead.

The Seedcamp application process (with X Factor style efficiency) has whittled down thousands of applicant companies to 23 investments.  This batch of startup teams are obviously at the top of their game, and after hanging out with them you quickly realise that to get to that position they not only had to be supersmart, but work harder than the other guys to understand their industry and the gather the skills needed to build a great company.

The characteristics of great entrepreneurs are often debated as if they are innate characteristics with which you are born.  Having read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, I’m convinced that these characteristics can be learned through painstaking study and practice.  That means they are no longer characteristics but skills, which turns the question into, what are the skills of a great entrepreneur?

I would start the list of important skills for entrepreneurs with sales, negotiation, concentration, and tenacity.  Specifically for tech I would add lean product development, online marketing, and infrastructure planning. (please add more in the comments)

So, equipped with this curriculum, I’m starting my apprenticeship in startups.  Watch this blog for field notes and progress….