The document discusses key factors for successful startup ecosystems. It notes that entrepreneurs must lead startup communities and have long-term commitment. Successful communities are inclusive, engage the entire entrepreneurial community through continual activities, and focus on technology, talent, and tolerance rather than changing the world through revolution. The course involves traveling to startup hubs like Austin, Boulder, Chicago, and Detroit to meet entrepreneurs, investors, and organizations that foster innovation.

1. Amman, Jordan | November 2015
John Mueller
Startup Ecosystems
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/swamman/

2. Entrepreneurship: Levels of Analysis
Environment
(local, country, global)
Industry
Org / Firm
Team
Individual

4. Leaders and feeders / Boulder Thesis / Density
1. Entrepreneurs must lead the startup community.
2. The leaders must have a long-term
commitment.
3. The startup community must be inclusive of
anyone who wants to participate in it.
4. The startup community must have continual
activities that engage the entire entrepreneurial
stack.

5. Building a Rainforest, not a Farm

6. Technology, Talent, & Tolerance

7. Common Goal

8. “Instead of changing the world through revolution, we can change the world
through #innovation”
—Former Minister of Economy, Juan Andrés Fontaine
Supported by the Chilean Government
(Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs.)
- with the selection panel from the private sector -
Started in 2010
Over 750 startups

9. Fueled by the notion that the next
Facebook won’t come from Silicon Valley

10. Overview of the Course
The purpose of the course is to provide students with exposure to
communities that have allowed high technology startup
companies (new firms) to thrive in recent decades. This is
accomplished by traveling to various cities in the USA: Austin,
Boulder, Chicago, and Detroit.
During the trip, students will be able to engage with individuals in
various organizations that have fostered a culture that allows
entrepreneurial and innovative activities to happen. We will meet
with entrepreneurs (founders of startups), employees of startups,
investors in startups (venture capitalists, angel investors), as well
as owners of and administrators in accelerators, incubators, and
government agencies.
By meeting the people and experiencing the environment in
Austin, Boulder, Chicago, and Detroit, as well as experiencing the
culture in each of the organizations visited, students will be able
to have a better understanding of what makes startup
communities thrive. In addition, students will be able to compare
the startup communities they visit with Kalamazoo’s startup
community.
Note: Space is limited. Students are required to apply for the course. Applications and questions should be directed to John Mueller (john.mueller@wmich.edu)
This course entails activities in
Kalamazoo before the trip,
including readings and
meetings with individuals in the
Kalamazoo startup community.
WMU: Lee Honors College: Study in the States – March 2015 http://broncostartup.com/usc/
Austin, Boulder, Chicago, & Detroit
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: UNDERSTANDING STARTUP COMMUNITIES
Learn AND experience what cities are doing to foster startups in their environment.
Compare those environments with Kalamazoo’s startup scene.
Readings
Tentative Travel Schedule
March 6-10: Boulder
March 11-15: Austin
Traveling to:
Select 1 of the following 3 books to read.
Reading to be done prior to traveling.
In February 2015, we will meet on
Fridays. During that time we will
have discussions about startup
communities and visit
Chicago & Detroit.
Then we will fly to Boulder &
Austin during Spring Break.

11. Vibrancy
full of energy and life
Merriam-Webster dictionary
“ “

12. Curious and intrinsically motivated
to solve a problem
[ not to necessarily build a company; creative segment ]

13. Pride; love where you live
[ e.g. Austin, Boulder, Kalamazoo, Detroit, etc. ]

14. Educated doers
[ using talent ]

15. The positive crowds out the negative
[ focus on the positive; newspaper headlines ]

16. High propensity for risk

17. Failure is not a blacklist offense
[ failure is learning – leads to success; resources are put back into the ecosystem ]

18. Inclusive and open
[ cohesiveness / density, pay-it-forward ]

19. Not competing with one another
[ competitors are not other entrepreneurs / startups in local area ]

20. Balance of power
[ e.g. Austin: conservatives are not more powerful than liberals and vice versa ]

21. Younger crowd / new people from outside
[ younger crowd isn’t hindered with the past; allow new people move in / bring new ideas ]

22. Funders that bridge the gap
[ ….bridge with old money; from “hero” companies / entrepreneurs ]

23. Dogs in the office
[ tolerance; openmindedness ]

24. Cranes
[ vertical construction, because infrastructure is already strong ]

25. Laws that don’t hinder and are stable
[ e.g. customs / tariffs; tax for a good view ]

26. Long period of time; persistence
[ e.g. Austin, Boulder, Silicon Valley ]

27. 36
Have Fun and Learn
(Be Curious / Be Creative to Create)

28. Contact Info
John Mueller
E: john.mueller@wmich.edu
E: jmueller@golfsolutions.com
Twitter: @golfmomo
Facebook: facebook.com/golfmomo