The key to starting and growing a new venture is the ability of the Founders to “co-create” a new venture and let other stakeholders (i.e. customers, partners, suppliers, and investors) shape the new venture. This is where a distinction between “expert” entrepreneurs and “experienced” entrepreneurs becomes crucial. “Experienced” entrepreneurs have had experience starting one … [Read more...] about The Importance of Pre-Founding Experiences in the Development of High-Impact Entrepreneurs and Scalable Startups (Part II)
Blue Boxes, Traf-O-Data, and Facemash: The Importance of Pre-Founding Experiences in Startups (Part I)
When reading the early histories of the entrepreneurs who started successful companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook, an interesting pattern emerges. All of these entrepreneurs had started small ventures before starting the company that scaled up and eventually went public. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak had started producing “blue boxes” that produced a digital sound … [Read more...] about Blue Boxes, Traf-O-Data, and Facemash: The Importance of Pre-Founding Experiences in Startups (Part I)
There’s Never Been a Better Time to be an Entrepreneur in Vietnam
Aspiring entrepreneurs have asked, and we have delivered! With the launch of the first annual Startup Vietnam Conference on December 19 at the New World Hotel Saigon (StartUp.vn), we’ll be making several big announcements. The first of these is the launch of Startup Labs Vietnam (www.startuplabs.com). Founded by Startup Weekend Co-Founder Clint Nelsen, … [Read more...] about There’s Never Been a Better Time to be an Entrepreneur in Vietnam
Startups: Are Exits in Vietnam Possible?
Last week, I attended an awesome "Unconference" hosted by YouNoodle in SF/Silicon Valley. It was a great event, and the organizers, Rebeca Hwang and Ricard Garriga did a great job pulling it all together. I also had a chance to talk with friends in Silicon Valley about the startup ecosystem here and in Vietnam. One key question kept recurring throughout the … [Read more...] about Startups: Are Exits in Vietnam Possible?
Call for Entrepreneurs
Since first arriving in Vietnam in 2005, I've been fortunate to meet so many interesting and talented people. Most of these meetings have been through friends who've connected us through mutual interests, and a few were quite serendipitous. Now, to build a vibrant entrepreneur ecosystem in Vietnam, I am actively seeking aspiring entrepreneurs who fit the … [Read more...] about Call for Entrepreneurs