Startups, entrepreneurs, innovation, technology, and economic development.
Starting a business is an exciting endeavor, and while many people believe that entrepreneurship is best suited for the young, there are significant advantages to launching a venture later in life. If you're in your 40s, 50s, or even older, you bring a wealth of experience, insight, and resources that younger entrepreneurs might lack. The wisdom... Continue Reading →
In our rapidly advancing digital age, a profound divide threatens equitable development worldwide. While revolutionary technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) transform economies and societies at an unprecedented pace, their benefits are not evenly shared. A growing gap between those with access to digital tools and those without poses urgent social and economic challenges. Bridging this... Continue Reading →
South by Southwest (SXSW) has long stood as a stronghold of innovation, a forum where technology, culture, and ideas converge to shape the future. The 2024 iteration of this iconic event was no exception, offering an immersive experience that spanned the range of modern human endeavor, from artificial intelligence and urban mobility to the evolving... Continue Reading →
There is an abundance of articles discussing the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. Commonly, we encounter terms such as adaptability, resilience, vision, execution ability, and leadership. While these traits are undeniably crucial, this article aims to delve deeper and shed light on the less-discussed, yet equally significant traits that drive entrepreneurial success. 1. Empathy: Empathy is... Continue Reading →
If I were to describe the past few years and the relentless march of technological transformation in one word, it would be “disruption”. Standing at the forefront of this revolution is Artificial Intelligence (AI), a force poised to reshape the global landscape, including the field of International Development. While there are legitimate concerns such as... Continue Reading →
I recently attended the electrifying Web Summit Rio, where 21,000 like-minded souls converged to discuss the latest tech trends and innovations. Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) stole the show. Here are the seven key takeaways that stood out during the 3-day event: 1. AI: Genie Out of the Bottle The buzz around AI was palpable, evoking... Continue Reading →
Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for promoting inclusion and empowering marginalized groups, including women, indigenous people, people of color, and the LGBTQI+ community. It can play a role in mitigating disparities and advancing diversity by offering avenues for financial independence and social empowerment. Entrepreneurship provides a solution to the systemic obstacles and biases faced... Continue Reading →
The rate of adoption of digital technologies by companies of all stages and sizes has been growing fast over the past decade. These technologies range from e-commerce applications, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, video conferencing and financial management software, all the way to blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), to name just a few. In the... Continue Reading →
In a previous post I discussed the different types of investors available to entrepreneurs. But choosing the right investor depends also on the types of financial commitment you are willing to take on. Therefore, in this post I will discuss the main financial instruments used to fund startups – equity, debt, grants, and convertibles –... Continue Reading →
Startup fundraising is never easy and the current pandemic crisis makes it even harder. Typical early-stage investors, such as angel investors and venture capital funds, today might be more reluctant to take risks and bet on early-stage startups. In such situations, entrepreneurs often turn to friends and family (2F's) to support their endeavors. Asking people... Continue Reading →
Entrepreneurship Compass 
Recent Comments