Global
Overpromising and Other Lessons Learned From Failed Unicorns
Since unicorns are given valuations based on the promise of future growth, it's not surprising few ever live up to their potential.
November 2, 2017SV Entrepreneurs Flock to Smaller, More Affordable Markets
Tech talent is flocking to these seven smaller — and more affordable — U.S. markets: Salt Lake City, Tampa, Huntsville, St. Louis, Seattle, Phoenix and Albany.
August 31, 2017High Rents Driving Biotech Startups Out of New York and Boston
It’s not just young people that can’t afford the rent in New York. Biotech firms are also leaving the Big Apple in search of affordable accommodations outside the city.
August 21, 2017The Silicon Valley Engineers Who Get Paid Millions To Do Nothing
It's a well-known secret in Silicon Valley: Big tech companies employ “resters and vesters”; employees who collect full pay and stock without having to do much — or any — actual work.
August 11, 2017Ecosystem Spinoffs: New Tech Hubs Form Outside the City Limits
Urban tech hubs have followed the trend of San Francisco: As success skyrockets, so too does the cost of living. In British Columbia, New York, California and beyond, startups are taking advantage of the connected digital age by finding new places to set up HQ.
March 13, 2017Need a Silicon Valley Champion? Meet Joanne Fedeyko
“I help people build trusted networks in the Valley,” says Fedeyko, who is now CEO of Connection Silicon Valley. “Whether you’re a startup, corporate, or someone in-between, think of me as your innovation partner who will help you navigate the Valley ecosystem.”
March 10, 2017Chilecon Valley: An Immigration-Fueled Startup Success Story
Foreign innovation drives startup economies. In the US alone, 51% of billion-dollar startups were founded by immigrants. Cities across the world have taken notice: encouraging the free movement of information and talent is crucial to tech sector success. Santiago, Chile, is forging ahead with a government-backed plan to attract top talent. As reported in Brookings, part of Santiago’s success as Latin America’s tech hub is due to a program called Start Up Chile.
February 23, 2017Startups Never Rest: 5 Companies That Expanded Into New Markets
Not satisfied with establishing market dominance in just one area, forward-looking companies like Airbnb and Uber continue to explore new arenas of profit. Leveraging success into adjacent markets isn’t about making a complete pivot: it’s about applying your enterprise’s core competencies in a new way.
February 21, 2017International Tech Reacts to the US Immigration Ban
The recent American limits to the refugee program and entry limits for citizens of certain countries is hitting home for citizens of a community without national borders: the tech industry.
January 31, 2017IBM SmartCamp Shines a Light On London’s Burgeoning Tech Ecosystem
London, Ontario’s SmartCamp Pitch Competition happening December 14 will push Canadian tech talent onto an international stage.
December 8, 2016Where to After Peak Silicon Valley?
According to a report by the Silicon Valley Competitiveness and Innovation Project, for the first time since 2011, net domestic migration in Silicon Valley was negative.
September 2, 2016Global Startup Cultures: Looking Beyond Silicon Valley
Ballooning costs make Silicon Valley more a suffocating than an energizing force. If you had the whole world, where would you place your startup?
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – Sub-Saharan Africa
Views on the global startup economy
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – Australia and New Zealand
The lands down under are leveraging their laid-back, fun loving approach.
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – East Asia
East Asian tech ecosystems are beginning to embrace ‘meaningful’ failure.
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – India and Pakistan
Young founders in India and Pakistan are craving robust tech ecosystems.
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – Middle East and North Africa
This region’s common language and shared regional history creates camaraderie.
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – Latin America
Views on the global startup economy
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – North America
Silicon Valley sets the tone for North American startups that thrive on high-spirits and “exalted individualism” in well-supported entrepreneurial ecosystems. While a drive for user growth over revenue…
August 18, 2016Global Startup Cultures – Southeast Asia
Lack of Series A funding and risk aversion in Southeast Asia creates a revenue-seeking culture that burns through cash slowly. Unlike in North America, profit-and-loss spreadsheets are critical…
August 18, 2016Frequently Asked Questions
What is a startup ecosystem?
The network of founders, investors, universities, accelerators, large companies and governments in a place that together help new companies start and grow.
Which ecosystems does TechPortfolio cover?
Canadian cities including Toronto, Waterloo, Montréal, Vancouver and Calgary, and international hubs from Silicon Valley to Singapore.
What is the Startup Cultures Across Canada series?
A city-by-city TechPortfolio series profiling how startup communities work across Canada. A companion series, Global Startup Cultures, covers other countries.
Does the section cover diversity and talent?
Yes. The Diversity & Talent subsection covers women in technology, skills gaps and immigration.
How can I suggest an ecosystem story?
Email info@techportfolio.net with the city or community and what is changing there.