I continue to find incredible value in exploring new startups. I hope you do, too.
The startup stories I write in the Financial Post aren't really about the entrepreneurs whose stories I am
profiling. What I try to do is draw key moments out of those entrepreneurs’
stories that relate to game-changing decisions that every entrepreneur faces. And how building a global business, while always hard, is getting easier over time.
So while one of my stories may seem to be about a
29-year-old entrepreneur with a breakthrough product idea, they're really about
how you or I or anyone can build a better business: from identifying opportunities
to building a product, hiring staff or communicating with customers. Or simply developing
resilience in the face of setback after setback.
If I did my job right, in these stories below you will find lots
of great ideas for building your business, refining your product, and re-connecting
with prospects and customers.
You’ll find inspiration, too. I hope these
stories will fill you with pride in our new generation of entrepreneurs, and the
spirit to pursue your own goals with greater passion and confidence.
How a teacher- musician and tinkerer is trying to change how
– and where - electric guitars are played. A story of vision, partnerships and reaching
out.
And also: the benefits of raising capital. “The more clout you have, the more you can put your foot down (with a manufacturer) and say, ‘No, that’s not the component I want.’”
A story of incredible persistence – and how entrepreneurs and
big businesses can work better together.
“My job is to strategically find a way to let Canadians know this amazing plant has the potential to change everyone’s lives,” says David Hunter. “If we do it right, this could be a global brand.”
Not just a story of a woman entrepreneur succeeding in a traditional
male industry (defence). Also a story of partnering with customers and learning
to listen to mentors.
Early collaboration with key stakeholders ensured OMX’s success, says Verkindt: “They felt that it was their platform, not ours.”
How a pro hockey player became a penny-pinching tech entrepreneur.
“I knew the odds of getting to the NHL were slim. To succeed, I had to look past the bumps and stay focused on my goal.”
A Toronto tech company has pivoted to curating channels full
of Internet video that may save US cable companies from extinction. A classic example
of finding a big problem to solve for deep-pocketed prospects.
Meet the Toronto startup that’s fuelling Mark Zuckerberg’s
dream of eliminating all human diseases. An unusual story of angel investors who
didn't cut and run when times got tough.
No comments:
Post a Comment