My name is John Knapp and XLR8U is where I help people become successful entrepreneurs. It’s what I know. It’s what I love to do.
All my life, “helping people learn to do cool things” has been my passion. I’ve done that as a 12 year old expert skier, giving pointers to adults on the slopes. I’ve done that during the desktop publishing revolution, giving designers incredible new creative skills and giving commercial printers the ability to reproduce those designs more profitably and with higher quality. I’ve done that as a pioneer in online learning, giving companies tools and techniques to train their staff and customers. And I’ve done that as a mentor and advisor to startup entrepreneurs, giving them the practical know-how and hands-on engineering help they need to bring their dreams, aspirations and ideas to life in businesses of all kinds.
My core competencies span nearly every aspect of tech startups: From raising money to exit strategies. From team building to leadership and a culture of sustainable commitment. From ideation and market validation through software development and engineering leadership to scaling and fault tolerant systems to commercialization and patents. From sales and marketing to strategic partnerships. From business models to supporting strategies and tactics and being ever responsive to change.
— John Knapp
Glowing praise for John
John is a savvy advisor and entrepreneur with a long history in the tech startup world. A successful founder and leader of a startup incubator and info hub, he’s equally knowledgeable at both the front and back ends of the platform and business development process. He understands user experience, the development of platforms and the workings of the tech industry from many different perspectives. I recommend him as a fantastic resource and individual for anything involving technology startup/entrepreneurship.
– Paula Soito, CEO, ArtsRow
When I was only contemplating quitting my job to be a full time entrepreneur, John told me something that I’d never forget: be 100%. There’s no other way. Since then he has been a mentor I look up to and rely on. The depth of his knowledge and experience with entrepreneurship is impressive.
– Joël Cheuoua, Founder, Symbyoz
John created the first grassroots, large scale peer community of entrepreneurs in Seattle, called Startup Alliance. During the time John ran Startup Alliance, the programming and networking he organized delivered significant value to the entrepreneurs of Seattle. Through John’s efforts, Startup Alliance earned a reputation as a high-quality peer group where founders and CEOs could connect and enhance their businesses. Many first time (and experienced) entrepreneurs owe a debt of gratitude to John for the advice they received at Startup Alliance.
– Bill Bryant, Partner, Draper Fisher Jurvetson
In my experience working with John I realized my appreciation for his approach to our project and the team. He’s fully dedicated to understand the objectives in driving business as a whole and taking charge beyond his level of responsibilities. He has an incredible attention to details. Well rounded in understanding of the latest technologies and best practices. Highly energized and enthusiastic. Supportive. Creates a friendly environment that makes your work enjoyable. Respectful to team members. John would make a great leader. I look forward to having another chance to work with him.
– Alex Zavodnik, UI Architect, zElement
Please ask for references. John Knapp’s past clients are enthusiastic about the quality of his work and the value they received.