In the capital communities of venture capital or angel investing, we often talk about the considerations of a startup that is “tech-enabled” rather than “tech.” A tech company, it seems, is often valued to a greater degree relative to revenue, than a company tech-enabled. Is that valid? What is the difference? Is your work in technology or is it tech-enabled? … Read More
VALIDATE BEFORE YOU BUILD!
I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring dozens of startups through various innovation programs, and continue to do so through our incubator Collective, and beyond. I’m also very fortunate to work alongside mentor veterans Paul O’Brien & Ted Cohen who have collectively mentored hundreds of startups over the years. What I’ve come to realize, is that most programs and entrepreneurs tend to think backwards … Read More
The Evolution of “Entrepreneur”
2020 will be remembered as one of the most remarkable years in human history for a host of reasons, least of which is how the state of our economy, and need to work from home, has thrust us all to appreciate what it means to be online at the same time that many are exploring starting a business of their … Read More
Zoom is Now Worth More Than the World’s 7 Biggest Airlines
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have transitioned to working—and socializing—from home. If these trends become the new normal, certain companies may be in for a big payoff. Popular video conferencing company, Zoom Communications, is a prime example of an organization benefiting from this transition. Today’s graphic, inspired by Lennart Dobravsky at Lufthansa Innovation Hub, is a dramatic look at how … Read More
Digital Transformation to the Information Superhighway
Now that we’re all familiar with the brand and its virtual conference experience, a remarkable start to what we’re going to explore here begins with noting that Zoom ended April, 2020, hosting 300,000,000 daily meeting participants. That’s a number without context so let’s give it some. Just 5 years ago, Zoom hosted 40,000,000 users, just shy of two years before … Read More
“I Know How to Thrive Online”
Laid off due to COVID-19 impacting the coworking and events industries like a sledgehammer in March, Moby, Accelerator Manager and Content Creator, turned to the idea of an online summit to ensure everyone can echo that headline, “I know how to thrive online.” Weeks ago, SXSW had just cancelled, shelter-in-place orders were coming out around the world, and the world … Read More
Veteran Entrepreneurship in 2020
March, this year, really challenged entrepreneurs to appreciate what it means to pivot. The Veterans Lounge, produced by DreamState Entertainment and Platinum TDM, captured in real time how capably Veterans make such changes; and in doing so, proved that staying focused on the mission of an effort, despite adversity, keeps us on track to accomplish something. Our work to produce … Read More