MATT: Cookin' with the heat on

This week has literally flown by. We now have several student interns working with us from each of the universities we are partnering with, and we have been really trying to come up with a firm brand name for our project. For now, we really like the name "Go Innovate International" as our global brand, with our local sub-brands as "Go Innovate Africa" and "Go Innovate Asia", etc.

Courtney and I both would love to hear your thoughts on our brand name. We feel like we have to decide soon, though, because the more momentum the project gets, the harder it is to not have a firm brand name, a website and business cards.

We met with the IFC (which is a branch of the World Bank) SME Solution Center. We were initially worried that they would see us as a competitor as they provide many of the products and services we are looking to provide our entrepreneurs. It turns out, though, that the center really doesn't work with (or plan to) start-ups, which is our whole focus. In fact, the center has all kinds of terrific resources that they just offered us on the spot like physical classroom space, curriculum, and even a database of successful business mentors and Kenyan consultants. And we feel like all of our meetings are going this well. Everyone seems so willing and ready to contribute to a legitimate organization that will stimulate entrepreneurship and job growth in east Africa.

Another fun meeting that we had was with a total character who has made a big splash in the financial markets here in Nairobi. He has written several books, hosts an entrepreneurial seminar for promising young businesspeople, is one of the few providers of financial/trading data for the Kenyan stock exchange, writes a financial column in local and national newspapers and has quite possibly one of the biggest personalities I've ever encountered. Clearly, we got along very well. He was all but ready to turn our concept into a reality TV show (an idea that Courtney had thrown out months ago) to encourage investment and really get the country excited about entrepreneurship. The difference between a guy like this coming up with an idea is that he actually has the network and know-how to make it happen.

It has really been a whirlwind. So many people want to contribute to our project and we're just truly blessed. We remain cautiosly optimistic about this whole endeavor, but can't say thanks enough to those who have been contributing thoughts, advice and prayers (an especially big thanks from my end to my Uncle Jim, Johan, Matt R, Sheena and Buck for your insights).

This weekend, we are probably going to Mombasa with our friends from the State Department. My buddy, Robert Stobaugh, from McKinsey, is also coming to visit here in Nairobi. It is sure to be a great time. I'll be sure to take pictures and post them.

Last but not least, thanks to my roomates for not burning down my house in Dallas and thanks to Stephen Goldfarb for general awesomeness. That's all for now ... we're meeting with another bank executive tomorrow morning early (and those of you who know me best, know exactly how well I tolerate early mornings).

Hakuna matata, PV,

M