Raising Capital

• 06/01/2025in Raising Capital, Startup Ecosystems

  Venture Capital Manifests for Opportunity: It’s Not Available to Serve

  For economic development professionals, community builders, and government officials committed to fostering entrepreneurship, it’s all too common to hear founders lament that a “lack of capital” is their most significant challenge. Yet, curiously, a lack of capital is rarely cited as a leading cause of startup failure. This disconnect points to a d...
• 08/11/2024in Raising Capital, Startup Ecosystems

  When Founders Need Referrals to Meet Investors, Fix This About Your Startup Ecosystem

  In a well-functioning startup ecosystem, founders should know who their potential investors are and how to connect with them. In a supportive startup ecosystem, founders should know how to develop ventures that attract attention, supported by journalists and ecosystem leaders who promote fundable startups, so that investors engage them. Yet, we oft...
• 09/09/2024in Raising Capital, Startups

  “I have an Idea but lack Experience or Startup Capital…”

  This is one of those frequently heard statements that helps a startup ecosystem recognize that gaps remain. Last week, I pushed founders and economists to recognize the distinction between innovation and technology (between startups and businesses), and from that, I was asked for advice too frequently asked, “How can I capitalize on an app id...