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Why The Government is Isn’t a Bigger Version of a Startup

Steve Blank

As there was no venture capital, these early startups were funded by early sales to weapon systems prime contractors and subcontractors. And from then on, innovation in semiconductors, supercomputers, and software would be driven by startups, not the government. The Government Can’t Act Like a Startup.

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The Helsinki Spring

Steve Blank

I presented to 1,000’s of entrepreneurs, talked to 17 startups, gave 12 lectures, had 9 interviews, chatted with 8 VC’s, sat on 4 panels, talked policy with 2 government ministers, 2 members of parliament, 1 head of a public pension fund and was in 1 TV-documentary. a government that’s trying to help, but gets in the way.

Finland 329
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The Secret History of Minnesota Part 1: Engineering Research Associates

Steve Blank

Sales in their first fiscal year were $1.5 Applicants were told that ERA was doing electronics work for government and industry. Unfortunately for the company they couldn’t tell anyone as their customer was the most secret government agency in the country – the National Security Agency. ERA’s headcount grew rapidly.

Minnesota 317
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6 Ways To Improve Your Odds Of New Business Success

Startup Professionals Musings

He seemed to ignore the fact that hungry people have no money, and governments rarely pay. I once met with an entrepreneur who had developed a new algae strain to cure world hunger and make him rich. Even non-profits need income to run a business. Look for validation from your mainstream customers.

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7 Reasons That Investors Won’t Fund Inventions Alone

Startup Professionals Musings

The value is tied to infrastructure outside your control, such as a pervasive network of fuel stations, trained service facilities, and new government regulations. Investors expect proof that your invention can be manufactured in volume, and can justify a sales price at least double the cost, to a large customer set that has money to spend.

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Embrace Losing – It Will Make You Stronger

Both Sides of the Table

Looong Appendix (only for those interested in reading another story about losing a sale & key lessons): A personal story of losing a sale that haunted me for years. I was working hand-in-hand with my close friend and associate Stuart Lander who was running our UK office and with one of our local sales reps.

China 333
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Embrace Losing – It Will Make You Stronger

Both Sides of the Table

Looong Appendix (only for those interested in reading another story about losing a sale & key lessons): A personal story of losing a sale that haunted me for years. I was working hand-in-hand with my close friend and associate Stuart Lander who was running our UK office and with one of our local sales reps.

China 328