Welcome My name's Chris and I'll be your humble author and guide for all things relating to college startups: Who they are, where they are, and what they're doing.  I'll also be dispensing advice on a regular basis that might be of use to college entrepreneurs or college students that are interested in startups but don't really know where to start or how to get involved.  I'll also have the occasional interview either with  a succesful college entreprenuer or a hopefully-successful-someday college entrepreneur. What qualifies you to write this blog or have anything to do with SpringStage? Excellent question!  I have experience both trying to get a business off the ground, and watching that business crash and burn.  We can use this blog as a jumping off point to start discussions on best (and worst) practices.  I also LOVE startups.  I love new and interesting ways to solve problems.  If you're trying to pitch me a new store that only sells candles, go somewhere else.  But if you've got a new web app or invention that will change how I live my life.... you'll have my attention.  I spend a lot of time talking to people that are involved with startup companies, I read about them constantly, and like to get things done.  I love talking to smart people. What's the goal? There were 6 venture-backed IPO's in 2008 due in part to the downturn of the economy.  I'd like to see that number go up.  I'd love to see young people like myself taking a chance at doing something great.  It's much easier to declare bankruptcy when you're 22 than it is when you're 52.  I want to encourage college students (and young folks in general) to talk to one another, collaborate, and do amazing things.  Smart people solving real problems.  Within the next 5 years, I'd love to profile a company that's having an IPO that somehow came about because of the College Startup Blog and the SpringStage Network. I'm a college student and I'm interested, what next? You can contact me, follow me on Twitter, or comment on any of my posts.  Maybe we'll profile your company.  Maybe you can write a guest post or two.  Maybe you can be the catalyst at your university.  Let's start talking,  build some relationships and get some things done.