Startups, entrepreneurs, innovation, technology, and economic development.
In a previous post, I covered the kinds of investors that support startups. In the last post, I discussed the different types of financial instruments available to startups. But how does an entrepreneur know which type of instrument is ideal for his or her business? Let’s now turn to the main questions one should ask... 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 →
Startups are constantly looking for funding to support their growth. Here is a brief explanation of the different types of investors that typically support entrepreneurs in their journeys. Friends and Family These are people you (obviously) know personally and who decide to help you in your endeavor. Think “rich uncle”. These investors usually have little... Continue Reading →
Guest post by Zaki Raheem During this unprecedented global economic downturn caused by COVID-19, accelerators, incubators, and other entrepreneurship support organizations have a valuable role to play in supporting entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging and frontier markets. For corporates, foundations, donors, and development banks that support these entrepreneurship ecosystems, we offer... Continue Reading →
As an entrepreneur, in both Brazil and the US, I had to constantly battle with limited resources and deal with crises, both internal and external. The current COVID-19 pandemic is certainly unique in several ways, but many of the same lessons apply. I have prepared this list to hopefully help some entrepreneurs think through a... Continue Reading →
We are in the early stages of what is shaping up to be a once-in-a-lifetime crisis. Estimates still vary significantly, but the most alarming ones say that the Coronavirus could infect up to 20-30 percent of the world population over the next twelve months. This would obviously have dire consequences in terms of loss of... Continue Reading →
It is not a coincidence that the most developed nations are also the ones with the highest levels of entrepreneurial activity and innovation. While starting from a minimal level of development helps support the latter two, for example through basic access to capital and institutional stability, the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship on the economy... Continue Reading →
Post originally published on IDB's Sustainable Business blog. Development finance institutions (DFIs) can play an important role promoting innovation for increased competitiveness and sustained development in their client countries. Properly executed programs and projects can leverage private investment placement, develop local capital markets, improve resource allocation, as well as avoid moral hazard. As laid out in the... Continue Reading →
What took me so long to read “Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered”, by E. F. Schumacher? This 1973 classic was never introduced to me during my education in economics, but I finally got to it. While undeniably but delightfully utopian, very few books go so deep in the attempt to completely reformulate... Continue Reading →
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