To get started, I should give a brief explanation of what a start-up is, according to Investopedia, a start-up is a young company just beginning to develop.

Neil Blumenthal the CEO of Warby Parker defines a start-up as a company working to solve a problem where the solution is not obvious and success is not guaranteed.

So, why should you attend a start-up event? Every now and then you probably hear or see an advert inviting you to attend an upcoming start-up event but how may of these invitations do we honour.

I believe that one of the best things you can do for yourself as a young entrepreneur or a possible investor is to attend a start-up event. Below are four reasons you should attend start-up event.

– Pitch your idea, Get an investor
Basically, most start-ups need funding, this is because they are young companies whose expenses tend to exceed their revenues as they work on developing, testing and marketing their idea. This is where it all begins from, get the opportunity to pitch your idea to the best investors or companies. Often, one has to pre-register to get the chance to pitch an idea to selected investors. Some young companies in Nigeria doing well at the moment benefited from various start-up events.

– Network
Start-up events creates a community of entrepreneurs and professionals. On one side, we have young individuals with bright ideas ready to shake the world, and on the other we have the professionals or the investors who are searching for a good idea to invest in. On this note, I should say some start-up events can be organised to focus on a particular sector or cause only. What you need to do is to make sure you attend the right start-up event that fits your idea. If you really need to grow your business, then you should realise networking is as consequential as is breathing to humans; wear your branded shirts and face caps, take your business card along or even your business plan and get ready to meet new people. Introduce your idea and introduce yourself.

– Meet a Mentor
It is very essential to get mentors for your start-up idea, a start-up event can give you the right opportunity to find a mentor from your industry who have more experience and knowledge on the sector.

If you are a young entrepreneur, it is advisable to carefully select your mentors, look for skills that your business needs, whether it is in tech, online marketing, logistics etc. The cold truth is, only few people out of many ever get investors for their business

-To See the Hope in Nigeria
Yes, attend start-up events to see hope in the future of the Nigerian youths. Have you heard people ranting about the misplaced priorities of the Nigerian youth, saying all kind of trash like there’s no hope for Nigeria? I would implore you to look past the filth talks and attend one start-up event and you would be taken aback with how the young and reproductive age of this nation brainstorms to solve the little but crucial problems in this country and you would know there really is hope.

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius. Now that you have gotten the whole idea, kindly make preparation to attend one happening around you.

Below are some Startup events happening very soon, check for more details, register and attend.

Startup Friday - http://eventplace9ja.com/startupfriday

2ND Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum - http://eventplace9ja.com/awief2016

Venture Starter Free Start-Up Training and Mentorship Program - http://eventplace9ja.com/foundersconference2016

The Lagos Stratup Week- http://eventplace9ja.com/lagosstartupweek