Insights / Research Archives - Page 4 of 26

Startup Founders, a Good Idea Solves a Problem, A Great Idea Creates Value

Thursday, 29 June 2023 by Paul O'Brien

We have a huge problem in the startup ecosystem; that’s that most founders have been misled by a lot of people to think in terms of Problem / Solution. That a solution to a problem is what matters foremost in a startup. And that has led to the notion that validation is a simple matter

Published in Insights / Research, Startups

27 Comments

The Critical Role of Startup Mentors

Wednesday, 12 April 2023 by Paul O'Brien

Finding myself now through 3 cycles of the economy (more or less), working with startups throughout, I can’t help but observe and plead for people to raise their hands in philanthropy as mentors to entrepreneurs and would be founders. I’m no graphic designer but an idea struck me that felt best conveyed in a graphic,

advisors entrepreneurship mentoring mentors Mentorship

Published in Insights / Research, Startup Ecosystems, Startups

3 Comments

The Most Pressing Issues About the Internet Aren’t Likely What You Expect

Thursday, 16 February 2023 by Paul O'Brien

Privacy, fake news, Twitter, security, my data being sold, Facebook monetizing you, addiction to screens, social media bullying, the Prince of Nigeria having money for you, and cryptocurrency being a boon or a threat… The world is incredibly distracted by distinct issues that concern us, causing us to overlook what I hope to encourage you

innovation internet privacy safety security

Published in Insights / Research

3 Comments

Startups aren’t defined by Tech: How a Beverage Venture can Change the World

Sunday, 09 October 2022 by Paul O'Brien

Why is Coca-Cola a super successful company even though its main product does not solve any world problem? The question caught my attention for two reasons: Much of the world seems misled to perceive that startups and technology go hand in hand, as though something can’t be a startup unless it is in tech. Too

beverages cpg entrepreneurship innovation marketing startups

Published in Advertising, Industry, Insights / Research, Startups

13 Comments

The Epicenter of Texas Technology

Monday, 12 September 2022 by Paul O'Brien

Regional culture, history, and infrastructure are the qualities of a region of the world that drives innovation, jobs, and economic development because technology is ultimately about people and their potential. Our work in MediaTech Ventures has touched upon that fact a few times, whether in John Zozzaro’s look at Culture and Buildings or our exploration

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Published in Industry, Insights / Research, Regional Development

35 Comments

Neither Your Product nor Your Idea is Fundable

Sunday, 14 August 2022 by Paul O'Brien

How do I sell a startup that has a validated solution yet neither users nor revenue? Among the primary FAQs within startup incubators and of advisors, is how do I get my product funded? You know the question through the variety of ways in which it emerges: How do I raise startup capital for my

capitalism economic development entrepreneurship funding government innovation patents product startups venture capital

Published in Industry, Insights / Research, Raising Capital, Startups

32 Comments

New Business or Startup? It Matters

Friday, 01 July 2022 by Paul O'Brien

I’ve been the “Grumpy Get Off My Lawn!” about this over the years and tend to just roll with the people who are adamant that words are interchangeable, feeling that it’s not worth pushing when people want to say one thing can mean another. Of what have I been grumpy? Words matter. An investor in

business entrepreneurship funding startups venture capital

Published in Insights / Research, Startups

15 Comments