Uncovering Austin FinTech as an Ecosystem
Thursday, 13 April 2023
I have a confession to get off my chest. In my work through Austin, I’ve long celebrated and promoted the maturing of Austin’s startup ecosystem by illuminating that we’re starting to specialize and move beyond downtown; that, as the most effective startup ecosystems do, the city of Austin isn’t generically “tech” and shouldn’t be considered
- Published in FinTech, Industry, Texas Startups
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The Critical Role of Startup Mentors
Wednesday, 12 April 2023
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,
- Published in Insights / Research, Startup Ecosystems, Startups
The Art Making Manchester Startups
Thursday, 30 March 2023
Have this unusual thesis about innovation and entrepreneurship: Cities and countries throughout the world associate themselves with “tech” or appeal to venture capital, they strive to be known as startup cities or the next Silicon Something; at the end of the day, most fail to achieve the circumstances of such an economy. Startups fail. It’s rather the
- Published in Regional Development
Developing Austin’s Startup Ecosystem
Tuesday, 28 February 2023
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. A really a wonderful article about Austin in The New Yorker sparked a series of wonderful discussions of the past and present of the Austin
- Published in Industry, Startup Ecosystems, Startups, Texas Startups
The Most Pressing Issues About the Internet Aren’t Likely What You Expect
Thursday, 16 February 2023
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
- Published in Insights / Research
I’m Afraid VCs Will Take Over
Tuesday, 17 January 2023
How do startup founders protect their company from investors in the shareholders’ agreement? Should they? Protect from what?? Seriously, think about it for a moment. The startup community is flooded with people who ‘don’t want VC,’ think, ‘investors will take over,’ and fear the influence or control of investors. This paranoia is a problem in
- Published in Startups
Startup Valuations May Vary, Here’s Why and What You Need to Know
Monday, 05 December 2022
Businesses are valued based a multiple of earnings and profit. The variation stems from a few things associated with what that multiple might be (since earnings and profit are evident) Investor opinion about the capabilities of the executive team Investor awareness of competition, threats, and opportunities Investor knowledge about the market, trends, and potential regulation
- Published in Startups