The Foundation of Any Startup Community
Posted by: Thom Ruhe
on
October 19, 2012
Source: e360 Blog
Founder-turned-venture capitalist Brad Feld has some spot-on ideas about what it takes to build a community rich in startup activity. He outlines those four major characteristics in his new book, Startup Communities; they’re also the subject of a recent Kauffman Foundation animated sketchbook video. So where did he come up with these common essentials that help communities attract and support innovative? From 20 years of experience working with entrepreneurs and building a vibrant startup ecosystem in Boulder, CO.
According to Feld, sustainable entrepreneurial communities must have:
- Leaders and feeders. Leaders are the entrepreneurs taking a risk to start a company and feeders are the people who support them in their quest…government agencies, funders, and service providers
- A long-term view and commitment to building the community
- A philosophy of inclusiveness that welcomes everyone with an interest, not just entrepreneurs
- Substantive activities that engage the entire community to help startups move forward
Watch the video and hear what Feld has to say about these traits and why they’re so important.
Tags:
sketchbook,
Brad Feld,
startup community
