startupfdn.org

1. Turning people into job creators, not job takers

2. Prob lem
The
Startup Communities and their programs are fragmented and
fragile, making it difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to find the
resources and support they need, when they need it.

3. Ecosystem Development Program
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One Conversation

4. MISS
ION
Startup Foundation’s mission is to promote the creation of
high growth startups by supporting proven programs and
fostering new initiatives in communities around the world.

5. What is it...
The Startup Foundation is an evolution of Startup Weekend. With over 35,000 past
attendees in over 183 cities around the world, we acquired a unique insight into
the creation, formation, and best practices of ecosystems.
In July of 2011, Startup Weekend and The Kauffman Foundation partnered to
launch the Startup Foundation in 8 cities as an initial test: Los Angeles, Seattle,
New York City, Detroit, Boston, Des Moines, Las Vegas, and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

6. What we’re actually doing...
The Startup Foundation leaders in each of the cities will be interviewing
community influencers and leaders to help create an initial ecosystem audit
across all cities resulting in a dynamic ecosystem map. This valuable
perspective will highlight the opportunities and best practices of
entrepreneurs and communities. The Foundation leaders will then work to
prioritize local initiatives and allow the community to determine the optimal
way to distribute capital and other available resources. Foundation Leaders
are armed with an operating and funding budget with the responsibility of
facilitating the vision and successful implementation of chosen initiatives.
This can’t happen without YOU

7. How it works
Each city has an advisory board of 3-5 people
The community proposes and votes for what is needed
The Startup Foundation ensures the top priorities come to life!
Rinse & repeat

8. Our Values
1. We represent the community
2. We are 100% neutral. This is a community owned initiative
3. We complement and amplify those already doing amazing things
4. We identify opportunities, and we don’t duplicate existing efforts
5. Entrepreneurship is an art, not a science
6. In order to support and understand startups, you must work “bottom-up”
7. Communities need to encourage sustainable infrastructure
8. Best practices will be shared from city to city
9. Resulting efforts and research will be open and available to the world

9. Our Goals
1. ACTION - We don’t just talk about problems, we work with the community to
create and implement solutions.
3. Research - There is little research in the world today about companies BEFORE
they get funded. We’re providing a unique insight into what matters in the early
stages of team and idea formation.
2. Sustainability - Startup Foundation needs to achieve sustainability in every city.
We will be actively fundraising to continue growing this initiative.

10. What we’re tracking:
Job Creation
The barriers/challenges entrepreneurs face
Size and growth of the ecosystem
Comparative analysis between communities
Mentor engagement

11. M apping Ecosystems
We’ve developed and deploying the first standard, easy to use eco-system map of
each city.
Any entrepreneur, program, or company should be able to understand where they
fit and what or who they should work with to help get to the next step. Just
imagine what we’ll learn by doing this across communities around the world... :-)

12. nching In itiatives
Lau
Picture this:
10 out of 12 community leaders agree that your community needs:
- to create a curriculum and programs to educate first-time entrepreneurs.
- to address the “brain drain” of talent and promising companies to Silicon
Valley...
- a new community center & events space to house 50+ new startups and
community players...
- to educate local angel investors. The money is there, we just need to teach them
what a “startup” is and how to work with them.
- to simply support some of the existing initiatives to help them do even better!
Guess what? You’ve got someone to help refine those visions, get buy in from
stakeholders, and ensure projects actually happen.

13. up Found ation is:
The Start
A place any entrepreneur should look to help identify where they are in their
evolution as an entrepreneur. They will get recommendations on what programs,
resources and events are relevant to them. This is a just-in-time resource. What
entrepreneurs need, when they need it. Nothing else.
A place any corporation, individual, or government organization should look to for
recommendations on how to get involved in supporting existing and potentially
new activities.

14. The Future
Building upon the successful learning’s of the initial 8 cities, the Startup
Foundation will open the program up to any qualified community leaders
around the world. Unifying and learning from the conversations across the
globe will increase awareness as well as the ability for us all to have a greater
impact on the fundamental culture and infrastructure that exists to catalyze
more successful entrepreneurs and startups.

15. o I Get in volved?
How D
Don’t wait, get involved!
Send us your thoughts on:
Influencers, leaders and do-ers:
- your communities weaknesses and possible solutions
- your communities strengths
- ideas you have to help the community
- how would you invest a million bucks? ... seriously
Corporations and Governments:
- what are the resources and programs available to entrepreneurs?
- how are you looking to support the community?
- what financial and time resources can you pledge to your community?
- what are the metrics you are trying to achieve? We can help you...

16. Rea ch out:
Marc Nager
Marc@StartupFDN.org
http://startupFDN.org