Byron Burke aka Popa Ur Maa - My Stanford University Experience

By Byron "B Rude" Burke aka Popa Ur Maa.

Taking a continuing studies course at Stanford University in 1999 (January - March), was not an ordinary decision for me. Many people considered it a crazy move, given that I lived in New York and had to commute every Tuesday to attend a two-hour class called Bus 16 Startups - From Idea to IPO. Despite the skepticism, I was determined to broaden my horizons and delve into the world of entrepreneurship.

The course spanned nine weeks, and unfortunately, due to inclement weather, I missed the initial two weeks. However, I was able to catch up by attending weeks 3 through 8. The main requirement for successfully completing this course was to develop a comprehensive business plan. As someone with a background in music, I couldn't help but feel like a fish out of water in a room full of MBA students. The anxiety and nervousness I experienced were palpable.

What made this course particularly intriguing was the framework it employed to guide students in building their own startup companies. This course taught students how to plan, fund, execute, and attain liquidity for a startup company in Silicon Valley. Topics covered included researching and writing a business plan, protecting your invention, gathering advisers, raising money, developing an operating plan, hiring and firing, managing success and failure, and selling or taking your company public. The focus was on developing a pharmaceutical startup, which provided a unique perspective on the challenges and intricacies of the industry. This approach allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the complexities involved in bringing a new drug to market.

One of the key figures behind this course was Doug Kelly. Kelly is a managing partner at Alloy Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California. Alloy Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in the technology sector, with a particular emphasis on software, Internet, and healthcare companies. Doug Kelly has been with Alloy Ventures since 2000 and has over 25 years of experience in the venture capital industry. He has led investments in numerous successful companies, including Atheros Communications (acquired by Qualcomm), Silicon Image (acquired by Lattice Semiconductor), and Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT). Before joining Alloy Ventures, Doug Kelly worked at venture capital firms New Enterprise Associates and Technology Venture Investors. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Stanford University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Kelly played a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum and ensuring its relevance to the real world. His expertise and experience in the field of startups added immense value to the course, making it a truly enriching experience for all participants.

Despite the initial doubts and the intimidating environment, this was my first time taking a university course which turned out to be a transformative journey for me. It provided me with invaluable insights into the world of startups and entrepreneurship, and it helped me bridge the gap between my music background and the business world. Through the rigorous process of writing a business plan, I gained a newfound appreciation for the strategic thinking and meticulous planning required to turn an idea into a successful venture.

The incredible nature of my Stanford University experience stems from the fact that I faced the challenges of homelessness during my time in New York from 1997 to 2002. Sleeping in makeshift spaces such as office rooms and even the boiler room upstairs, I had to rely on the facilities available to me, using the washroom to clean myself and wash my clothes with the hand soap from the dispenser. 

Despite the hardships, my wife, who was employed by United Airlines in Chicago, provided me with family travel passes. However, this did not alleviate the need for me to constantly hustle each week in order to gather the funds necessary to catch the number 6 uptown train near 23rd Street and Park Avenue South. From there, I would take the bus to LaGuardia Airport, aiming to catch the 7:15 a.m. flight to San Francisco. Nevertheless, there were no guarantees that I would secure a seat on the flight, as I had to be placed on a standby list based on the seniority of United employees who were also taking the same flight.

Upon arriving in San Francisco, I relied on public transportation to make my way to the Stanford campus. After disembarking from the bus, I would undertake a half-mile walk, donning a long black cashmere coat. This sartorial choice, suitable for the cold weather in New York, proved to be less than ideal in the Californian heat. Despite the discomfort, I persevered, reaching Stanford around 2 p.m. Once there, I would spend my time in the library, engrossed in research until my class commenced at 7 p.m. If fortune favored me, I would have enough funds to purchase a bag of chips and a smoothie to sustain me.

As the class drew to a close at 9 p.m., I faced the challenge of the limited public transportation options, which ceased operations at 8 p.m. In order to catch the red-eye flight back to New York, I had to reach the airport by 10 p.m. Thankfully, through the grace of God, a shuttle bus driver provided me with a generous discount fare of $11 and agreed to meet me every Tuesday evening, ensuring that I could make it onto the United standby list back to New York or Chicago to spend time with the family for a few days before heading back to New York to continue my work with some startup ventures (PlayDJ / Click Radio and Prelude Music and Film Works).

Reflecting upon my Stanford University experience, I am amazed by the resilience and determination that carried me through those challenging times. It is a testament to the strength of character that can be forged in the face of adversity. The juxtaposition of my homeless situation in New York with the opportunity to pursue higher education at one of the most prestigious institutions in the world is a stark reminder of the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on an individual's life.

My time at Stanford was marked by a deep appreciation for the resources and opportunities available to me. The library became my sanctuary, a place where I could immerse myself in knowledge and escape the harsh realities of my circumstances. The support of the shuttle bus driver, who went above and beyond to ensure my ability to make it to the airport, demonstrated the kindness and compassion that can be found even in the most unexpected places.

Ultimately, my Stanford University experience was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It taught me the value of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes my way. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with determination and the support of others, one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve greatness. My time at Stanford will forever hold a special place in my heart, serving as a powerful reminder of the strength and potential that lies within each and every one of us.

Looking back, I can confidently say that taking this course at Stanford University in 1999 was one of the best decisions I made. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my preconceived notions, and equipped me with the necessary tools to navigate the dynamic world of startups. It served as a foundation upon which I built my subsequent endeavors and laid the groundwork for a successful career in the business world.

So, while many may have considered me crazy for embarking on this journey, I am grateful for the experience and the opportunities it opened up for me. It taught me the importance of taking risks, pursuing passions, and embracing the unknown.

Looking back, I can confidently say that taking this course at Stanford University in 1999 was one of the best decisions I made. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my preconceived notions, and equipped me with the necessary tools to navigate the dynamic world of startups. It served as a foundation upon which I built my subsequent endeavors and laid the groundwork for a successful career in the business world.

So, while many may have considered me crazy for embarking on this journey, I am grateful for the experience and the opportunities it opened up for me. It taught me the importance of taking risks, pursuing passions, and embracing the unknown.