Archive for April, 2009
Women and tech startups: a perfect fit : Part One
by Magda Rocki
At each technology, entrepreneur-heavy event, someone consistently comments on the number (and customarily the lack of) women present. Having marginally attended some of these tech happenings, it’s true that the female presence –whether in the role of a founder, entrepreneur or even participant –figures in the minority.
A few years back, Business Week showcased the best young entrepreneurs in tech, all aged 30 and under and considered ” on the cutting edge” of the tech world. Of the 45 entrepreneurs presented, only 3 were women. Dismal numbers some might say.
Yet, according to the National Association for the Self-Employed , women are strongly represented among entrepreneurs, as women-owned businesses outnumbered new men-owned businesses by nearly a 2-1 ratio in 2003.
Instead of delving into the causes behind this noticeable absence, this series will focus on the beneficial reasons why women should consider jumping into a tech startup environment. Part One of the two-part series will explore the natural abilities that women possess which make them a valuable asset in a startup while Part Two will focus on outlining potential career paths in the startup space and an overview of the resources and support groups geared towards women in the tech landscape.
Basing myself on conversations with both male and female startup junkies and on the meritocracy-based culture of startups, there seems to be no clear reason why there shouldn’t be more women in tech startups. continue reading
5 comments April 21, 2009
Upcoming: Co-Founders Monday on April 20th, 2009!
Make sure to mark in your calendar: Co-Founders Monday at Bolidea on April 20th, 2009 starting at 6:30pm.
Whether you have a great project idea and wish to recruit partners or the desire to join an interesting project, come, meet and mingle with like-minded individuals. Looking forward to seeing you!
Register now at Montreal Newtech !
Add comment April 14, 2009
Greening a startup
by Magda Rocki
The key to going greener is of course thinking greener. In light of Earth Hour‘s recent occurence and Canada’s celebration of Earth Day happening in a few weeks, we have been paying closer attention than usual to our office’s green practices.
Although we still have a way to go, here are some of the green basics we have appropriated within the Bolidea office:
With 42% of household garbage recyclable¹, we encourage materials to be reprocessed:
- Electronics and office supplies are reclaimed: while we all declare a profound love for tech gadgets and electronics, team members usually bring in their old cell phones and other outdated electronic devices to be dropped off at a local eco-centre, along with our office’s used ink cartridges.
- Recycling receptacles throughout the office: if it falls under the city’s recycling norms, in the blue basket it goes. The Ville de Montreal recycling dutifully picks it up weekly.
continue reading
3 comments April 7, 2009
Starting up during a recession?
by Olivier Cabanes
What are the ideal conditions for an entrepreneur to take the leap and launch his startup? When is the right time to jump in? As far as economic cycles are concerned, I think there is probably no “right time”. In fact, motivated and competent teams/individuals should always be able to draw advantages from the environment they operate in, regardless of the economy.
At last week’s Capital Innovation, it was interesting to hear JLA Venture’s Pierre Donaldson speak along those lines as he drew a picture of the 2009 VC landscape. Here are three things he mentioned that I think every entrepreneur should remember in times when valuations are down and venture funds are scarce:
- Adverse economic conditions will give rise to stronger companies as they force entrepreneurs to run a tighter ship.Consequently, the balance sheets shown to VCs will be healthier and the chances of getting funded are increased.
- While layoffs are generally bad news to most people and the overall economy, they can be a great opportunity for startups. Previously unavailable or unaffordable dream candidate might be looking for a job now, and the perks offered by startups might be more appealing to them than in past times.
-An entrepreneur that has a good business to show (team, product, and business model) should be able to raise funds in order to scale and grow. VCs might have handed out fewer term sheets in the past few months, but companies still got funded.
So when you combine this with the stimulus plan outlined by Quebec in its recent budget (see also Raymond Luk’s post on the subject), I think 2009 should offer a very decent environment for tech startups.
2 comments April 1, 2009
