Startups Archives - Page 2 of 36

Time for Congress to Reform the SEC’s Outdated Accredited Investor Definition

Thursday, 06 February 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Public policy isn’t just a framework for startups and investors, it’s a gatekeeper deciding who gets to play the game. And few policies are as restrictive as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) definition of an “accredited investor.” This definition has long determined who can and cannot invest in private securities offerings (i.e. startups), not

Published in Startup Ecosystems, Startups

35 Comments

The Startup Scorecard: How Governments Can Unlock Trillions in Innovation and Economic Growth

Tuesday, 04 February 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Nations that adopted startup-friendly policies mid-1990s or early 00s, and consistently implemented effective measures, are now reaping the rewards; seamlessly transitioning into digital economies and enjoying long-term benefits. Conversely, those that dragged their feet on economic development of startup ecosystems are now grappling with how (and in my experience, for the most part, are failing,

economic development ecosystem building ecosystems government innovation public policy startups

Published in Economic Development, Startups

8 Comments

What the Best Angel Investors Do Differently in Startup Investing

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 by Paul O'Brien

The rush to become an angel investor mirrors the increase in the appeal of the “celebrity entrepreneur” we’ve seen over the last couple of decades. To flourish, the investor community must consolidate more (i.e. become an LP in a fund vs doing our own thing) and those who remain independent must level up their value-add. I

angel investing angel investors angels investing startups venture capital

Published in Raising Capital, Startup Ecosystems

23 Comments

Set Up Your AI Board of Advisors

Monday, 27 January 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Among the incubators in which I’m involved, and in conversations with founders, it’s evident that most need startup experienced advisors; the brightest of founders even asking for them in their ask at the end of a pitch (before asking for funding). Evident in 90% of startups is that they lack the CMO but don’t have

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Published in Startups

13 Comments

It’s All About Execution is Wrong

Wednesday, 22 January 2025 by Paul O'Brien

For decades, we’ve told founders that “execution is everything.” Entire conferences, books, and TED Talks have been built around this single mantra, as if startups succeed or fail on the same principles that determine whether a restaurant gets your order right. A quick Google Search (as long as we’re still doing those), shows us article

entrepreneurship execution marketing

Published in Startups

9 Comments

Building Cities Out of Song; the Creative Engine of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Tuesday, 14 January 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Music, a primary cultural cornerstone, plays a transformative role in fostering creativity, collaboration, and risk-taking — traits essential for entrepreneurship and innovation. A 2019 study by the World Economic Forum underscored the symbiotic relationship between the arts and innovation, emphasizing that creativity spurred by artistic engagement improves problem-solving and decision-making. Similarly, the National Endowment for

arts austin creative creativity detroit entrepreneurship innovation manchester music new york silicon valley texas

Published in Austin, Economic Development, Startups

34 Comments

How One of the Best Product Launches Ever Proves You Need Better Advisors

Wednesday, 08 January 2025 by Paul O'Brien

Be it a startup, a corporation, or even a public office, I would bet money before I’d invest in a startup that success hinges on the quality of its advisors. Advisors are not just voices in the background; they are formal participants in an organization’s structure, uniquely positioned to provide insights and strategic guidance that

advice advisors marketing mentors product launch

Published in Startups

11 Comments