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1MillionStartups has a very ambitioned goal, said co-founder Helena Rosandic

The article was published by derBrutkasten prior to the 1MillionStartups Global Conference 2019. We bring you the full English translation.

02.10.2019.

Here is the English version of the derBrutkasten article featuring our co-founder Helena Rosandic in an interview.

- 1millionstartups has a very ambitioned goal. Where on the roadmap, are you right now?

Yes, you are right, we do have an ambitious vision, but that is the only way to have a substantial impact on a global scale. 

In the last years, we have been working hard to put the idea of 1MillionStartups into deeds; there were some sideways, of course, a lot of "trial - error - repeat" processes. Yet, we have solidly established SDGs root (supporting the entrepreneurs and startups that are solving the real-life problems and working towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals), we efficiently work with startups to help them get the much-needed visibility and exposure, as well as free business advice. We have built a good team around the world, we have active and fully independent Chapters on three continents, and an exquisite board of director (headed by the legendary investor Candace Johnson). In general, we've done a good base and made strong proof of concept. We can say that with 2020 we'll be out of beta version. 

- What are the most outstanding ongoing projects from your point of view? 

I have three favorites, actually 4:

1. Global Entrepreneurship Declaration - with UNIDO's endorsement

2. Opening a Chapter in Kenya East Africa

3. Mother2Mother Project

4. New York Launch that is to happen on 25th September

- What were your learnings from the first Global Conference?

It was our first global event, and the team has put 100% into it. Still, one can always do better, so there were specific operational learnings, that we are implementing this year.

Personally, the main takeaway was that we obliviously did something right, #togetherWE can make unbelievable things - came to life genuinely at that conference. Several significant initiatives and startups cooperations originated at the conference. Mother2Mother project happened there, right at the spot, spontaneously, and most importantly, we've received much positive feedback from our members. 

- What happened since then?

In the past year, we have worked a lot in 2 directions: opening new chapters in Singapore and Zambia, and directing and strengthening peer to peer communication in the 1MillionStartup Tribe.

Not to forget mentioning, we have been preparing the USA strategy and the launch. We are excited that it is happening, but we are certainly aware the project will require much sweat. The actual work is yet to come; we are talking to different strategical partners, preparing the team and the full market approach. 

- What can we expect from the second global conference this year?

The 1MillionStartups Global Conference is a real 1MS member get-together as it is crucial for our community to meet in person at least once a year. We are pleased this year we are hosted by the Austrian Ministry of Digital & Economic Affairs. The strong opening by Minister Udolf-Strobl, UNIDO official Monica Carco and the legendary investor Candace Johnson reflects our theme "Connect to impact" and our vision that by connecting governments, global organizations like UNIDO and businesses we can create an actual change. High-level speakers like Patrik Gustavsson will exclusively showcase the incredible story about the world's first combined waste-to-energy plant and ski-slope. Panels dedicated to the power of Generation Z, Tech impact, Investing in SDG and partnerships. 15 Members of our community will present their startups in 60 seconds. We will proudly present our success story "Mothers2Mothers," a project initiated at our first conference last year and now already running in Kenya. After Kenya and Mexico last year, this year our focus countries are Zambia and Singapore. The evening is reserved for our 1MillIonStartups Awards, and this year we partnered with FuckupNights and will host a special edition with great fuckup stories.

Also, for the first time, we have a #greenimpactchallenge. In cooperation, 1MillionStartups and Romerquelle will try to solve the challenge of plastic recycling. In partnership with GIN, we are bringing three exceptional awarded social startups from Singapore and HongKong. We also work with several partners such as Vienna Business Agency, Accent, GIZ, and of course, UNIDO.

- In general: What are the aims for this year?

We have a solid roadmap until 2030, yet are flexible enough to adapt when needed and when new opportunities arise. This year we have been developing different levels of memberships (startup, corporate, institutional) and new partnerships. With New York, in September, we are starting exclusive and focused events throughout the year in different countries with our partners. We'll tap into the Chinese market, further develop our work in Asia, Africa, and South America. 

In the next year, we're launching the new web site with several fresh features for startups, and a 1MS Magazine. 2021 will be dedicated to educational programs and a startup academy. The following 2022 should be the year of1MS Impact Investment Program, and from then on full speed scaling …We have to make sure we are ready for the big 2030:) 

- When will you have one million members? 

A clear goal and a mission is to have 1.000.000 members in 1MillionStartups network till 2030.

A lot of hard work is ahead of us.