Key findings from itm

• Network connectivity is the key factor driving ecosystem growth."

• "Cities are progressing in better accommodating a civic entrepreneurship ecosystem."

•Untapped resource – fostering relations between start ups & institutions & corporations

Case study: boston

Key findings: Boston

• Local entrepreneurs perceive weak support from angel/venture capital investors

• Large talent base found in Boston

• Connectivity of the ecosystem is strong

• MIT as one of the driving institutions of the Boston ecosystem

• Startup scene is large around Kendall Square & Cambridge

Case study 2: Start up - Washington relations

Case study 3: Local support

THe panel: Entrepreneur & Law Maker fireside chat

• Marcela Sapone (Co-Founder & CEO) & Jessica Beck (Co-Founder & COO) of Hello Alfred

• Kenneth Baer (Former Spokesman for the Office of Management & Budget, now advises Zenefits)

• Marty Walsh (Boston Mayor)

Discussion points

For the founders of Hello Alfred:

• Discuss NYT article: What sorts of policy panels have they partaken in? At the White House Summit, what kind of discussions took place regarding the future of regulations surrounding start ups/labor laws?
• For Marcela - What’s the range of responses/attitudes did you pick up when making trips to Capitol Hill to discuss the future of start ups?
• What kinds of policies/accommodations were set in place in Boston that made it hard/easy for Hello Alfred to Launch?
• Discussion on the journey of Hello Alfred – has the Boston ecosystem been growing, what can be changed?

for the mayor

• Discuss views of entrepreneurship/the start up world and the changing nature of work in places like Boston

• What can mayors in other cities do to better support entrepreneurship (policy/regulation wise)?

• Plans on engaging institutions like MIT to keep growing talent?

• Discuss recent partnership with IBM to invest in the start up scene

For kenneth baer

• What are the challenges startups will face when engaging with Washington?

• What advice, as a former spokesman for the Office of Management budget, would you give to entrepreneurs when dealing with policymakers?

Understanding the role of policy
learning from successful startups
entrepreneur success in the ecosystem

thank you!