Startups, entrepreneurs, innovation, technology, and economic development.
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 →
Innovation and new ideas I am frequently approached by people who want to share a new business idea with me. Usually the pitch is accompanied by a good amount of mystery and secrecy: "Andre, I'm telling you this because I trust you, but don't tell anyone; this could be big". Let me summarize what I tell... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Guest post by Susana Garcia-Robles (@RoblesSusanaro) September 9th: Arriving at my destination to speak at a Venture Capital conference sponsored by a local government agency. September 10th and 12th: Attending the inauguration of the country’s Start-Up program and meeting the women behind that initiative and Startup Weekend. Listening to the manager of a prestigious private... Continue Reading →
Lame reasons to give up before you even start I often hear people claim to have good ideas for a business, but say they can’t pursue them for one reason or another. Some of course are valid, but others are misconceptions that deserve to be revisited. Here are the top five from my experience. 1.... Continue Reading →
Business incubators are great for startups The definition of business incubator (or startup incubator), according to Entrepreneur’s Encyclopedia, is an “organization designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies, through an array of business support resources and services that could include physical space, capital, coaching, common services, and networking connections”. They are often sponsored by... Continue Reading →
Innovation is relative, originality overrated Innovation is one of the sexiest words in the business vocabulary. However, originality can be overrated, especially when it comes to the opportunity of bringing a proven business concept to a new market. The world is full of examples of copycat business models that were successfully replicated in new countries.... Continue Reading →
On Angel Investors As entrepreneurs, in the initial stages of the startup, we often think that the answers to our problems will come in the form of an angel investor. By definition, angels are high-net-worth individuals who get involved early in the company’s life, bringing capital, sector knowledge and network, and relevant expertise. Angel investors usually... Continue Reading →
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