It all starts with an idea and two formidable women – Katie Kupstas and LuAnne Puett — who are not afraid to be bold to make their major visions become a reality and are able to do the same for other inventors who are engaged in various stages of the process of bringing their product to the marketplace.
As such, they are the creative team behind Startups Sprint
, a weekend event in Orlando, taking place on May 12-14 at Disney’s All-Star Resort, that is geared for those with a consumer product who want to truly take it to new heights.
Ideally, the product is past the idea stage, but this is not a requirement. After two days at this exclusive limited-person event, inventors will be ready to get in front of buyers and launch! What a thrill this will be after so many stumbling blocks that most inventors are faced with for months…or years.
Many professions have established paths for education and training, such as dental school for aspiring dentists and medical school for aspiring doctors. However, for those entering the world of startup invention, there is often a lack of resources and support, leading to costly mistakes and wasted time and money.
Kupstas, co-founder of Startups Sprint an expert in intellectual property and public relations who can take your business to the next level. As a highly experienced professional, she understands the critical role of a robust IP portfolio in attracting investors, licensing opportunities, and enhancing company value.
She has a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of the IP landscape, enabling her to expertly guide you through the patent process and develop innovative strategies to protect and promote your product. Whether it’s trademarks, trade secrets, or other forms of IP, she’ll help you maximize your company’s value.
Katie’s unique approach to collaboration and networking has enabled her to connect her clients with influencers, artists, and innovators to promote their products and create exciting new projects together.
Read on for Katie Kupstas’s take on how Startups Sprint can help inventors reach their highest potential.
How do you see Startups Sprint?
Katie Kupstas: We created Startups Sprint weekend, a unique opportunity for inventors to learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable insights, and connect with like-minded individuals. By attending our Startups Sprint, participants can avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their progress toward success.
Think of it as an intensive training program that provides all the essential knowledge and tools needed to navigate the world of startup invention. With the guidance of seasoned experts and the support of a community of peers, inventors can take their ideas to the next level and position themselves for success.
So, if you’re an aspiring inventor looking to avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your progress toward success, Startups Sprint weekend is the place to be.
LuAnne Puett and I (as the founder of Inventors Club for Women), came together and realized our innovators spend an average of $65,000 and six years trying to successfully bring a product to market. We know there are better ways to do it and we have proof that it can be done.
With great pride, Puett closed a $35 million deal with a $300 graphic. We have developed a lean go-to-market strategy that can be executed effectively with the right systems in place. Our team has spent years perfecting these systems to ensure that inventors are not overspending and can achieve success within a reasonable timeframe.
Who should come to your Orlando weekend? Who is your target audience?
Katie Kupstas: Startups Sprint Weekend is an inclusive event that welcomes anyone with a product or idea they want to turn into a product company. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a newcomer to the startup world, this event provides a supportive and collaborative environment for all.
Participants can benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors and the support of a community of like-minded individuals. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and problem-solving, Startups Sprint Weekend is an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to turn their ideas into a reality.
So, if you have a product or idea that you’re passionate about, this event is right for you. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with others who share your interests, gain valuable insights, and develop the skills and knowledge you need to turn your vision into a successful product or company.
What are the main attractions for this event?
Katie Kupstas: Startups Sprint weekend offers a range of exciting features that make it an essential event for aspiring inventors. First, participants get to enjoy the lively Friday night cocktail party held at Disney’s All-Star Resort, which is a great opportunity to meet and network with other inventors, mentors, and industry experts.
In addition to the Friday night party, participants also benefit from the guidance and support of the event’s founders for up to one year after the event. This is a valuable resource that can help inventors to connect with buyers, secure media placements, and get answers to their legal questions with a value of $65,000.
What do you love working with inventors?
Katie Kupstas: Working with inventors allows me to be part of the process of turning an idea into a tangible product. I find this experience to be highly rewarding, especially when I am involved in the early stages of development. It’s exciting to witness the idea taking shape and to be able to contribute to the development of a product that could potentially have a significant impact on people’s lives. It’s a great feeling to be part of something bigger than myself and to see how my contributions can make a real difference.
What is the major mistake that inventors make when launching a product, service, or brand?
Katie Kupstas: Inventors often face significant challenges and obstacles when bringing a product to market. Developing a product from concept to market can be a lengthy and expensive process, requiring significant investment in time, resources, and capital. In fact, studies have shown that inventors overspend an average of $65,000 and six years bringing a product to market.
There are many reasons why inventors may overspend during the product development process. For example, they may encounter unexpected design or engineering challenges, encounter regulatory hurdles, or struggle to secure funding or distribution. They may also lack the necessary experience or expertise to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of product development and marketing.
Furthermore, inventors often face fierce competition in the marketplace, which can make it difficult to gain traction and generate revenue. Without a solid understanding of the market and a well-executed marketing strategy, inventors may struggle to connect with potential customers and drive sales.
Overall, bringing a product to market can be a challenging and expensive process, and inventors must be prepared to invest significant time, resources, and capital in order to succeed. However, with the right strategy, guidance, and support, inventors can minimize their risks and maximize their chances of success in this competitive and dynamic industry.
Talk about the business aspect and the pleasure aspect of this weekend.
Katie Kupstas: The Startups Sprint weekend offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the business aspect of product development, as well as enjoy a fun and inspiring experience at Disney’s All-Star Resort.
During the weekend, participants will have access to experienced mentors and experts who can provide guidance and support on a range of business-related topics, such as marketing, sales, funding, and legal issues. This can be invaluable for inventors who may not have a strong background in these areas and need help to bring their products to market.
But this goes beyond the business side of life when it comes to offerings over the May 12-14 weekend.
Katie Kupstas: Yes. In addition to the business aspect of the weekend, staying at Disney’s All-Star Resort offers a unique and inspiring environment that can foster creativity and innovation. Walt Disney, the father of innovation, was known for his bold and visionary ideas, and staying at a Disney resort can help to tap into this creative energy and inspiration.
The resort offers a range of larger-than-life attractions and experiences that can help to inspire new ideas and approaches to product development. Staying at Disney’s All-Star Resort can be a memorable and inspiring experience that can help inventors to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Overall, the combination of the business aspect of the weekend and the fun and inspiring environment of Disney’s All-Star Resort can make for a truly unique and valuable experience for inventors looking to bring their products to market.
What is the best business advice you ever received?
Katie Kupstas: Don’t let imposter syndrome take over. It affects many leaders across the world. Imposter syndrome is a common psychological phenomenon that can affect founders and other high achievers in various fields. It is characterized by feelings of self-doubt, insecurity, and a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud or impostor, despite evidence of one’s competence and accomplishments.
For founders, imposter syndrome can manifest in a variety of ways. They may feel like they don’t deserve their success or that they are not qualified to lead their company. They may worry that they are not making the right decisions or that they are not living up to the expectations of their investors or team members. Learning this early on would have allowed me to thrive and become successful sooner.
Tell me about the importance of your work ethic and where it came from.
Katie Kupstas: My strong work ethic was instilled in me by my mother, who worked tirelessly to provide my brothers and me with a good life. Despite facing challenges on her own, she went above and beyond to ensure our needs were met and always ran her business with integrity.
Who in your life told you that nothing is impossible with tenacity and hard work?
Katie Kupstas: The belief that nothing is impossible with tenacity and hard work was instilled in me by several people in my life. I come from a family of hard workers who have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and never give up. Their unwavering support and belief in me have motivated me to keep pushing forward and strive for success, not just for myself but also to make a positive impact on others. Their influence has been a driving force in my life and has helped shape me into the determined and persistent person I am today.
What else would you like to add?
Katie Kupstas: To provide additional value to our inventors, as well as those who are unable to attend our Startups Sprint weekend, we have created a podcast called Before You Tank, Thriving in an Industry that Sucks.
The name reflects the harsh reality of the industry’s 98 percent failure rate, and our goal is to help aspiring entrepreneurs overcome the odds and succeed. Recorded at GroundSwell Startups, a nationally recognized technology hub located on the Space Coast, this podcast is packed with golden nuggets of wisdom and insider secrets from industry experts. Please subscribe on Apple, Spotify and Google.
Please provide links to the website and social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kupstas-7622a943/
https://www.tiktok.com/@startupssprint