An Open Letter to David Cohen of TechStars
- June 4th, 2010 /
Dear David -
Last night we had the pleasure of attending the TechStars demo day in Boston where we saw 10 great companies present to 250 mentors, investors, and members of the tech community. Wow, what an impressive evening and showcase for TechStars.
I’d like to respectively submit for your consideration New Orleans as the next city for TechStars.
You and I have had several conversations over the last year, facilitated by Andrew Hyde, about my desire to launch a mentorship-based seed fund in New Orleans. We’ve done our homework: studied the models, attended your session at SXSW, and talked to mentors, entrepreneurs and investors all involved with TechStars. You said to me last night “New Orleans is on my radar…” to which I respond: I’m making it my mission to do what it takes to attract TechStars to launch in New Orleans in January of 2011.
I believe we can demonstrate to you that the tech startup community in New Orleans and Louisiana is activated and it would be a winning move for you to launch your Winter session in New Orleans. Here is what I plan to demonstrate:
- we have a roster of local and national mentors ready to commit
- we have sources of capital that will get behind a TechStars New Orleans
- we have an startup ecosystem of intelligent, passionate, creative, driven entrepreneurs who will provide the core of and be impacted greatly by TechStars
- we have a favorable climate for tech startups with the 35% digital media incentive which makes Louisiana one of the best places for software and Internet companies in the country
- we have a collaborative workspace, Launch Pad, ready to house TechStars companies
- we have activated local leadership lined up to get behind TechStars and make it a success
I have been passionate about the need for a mentorship-based seed fund in New Orleans for the last two years, and I fully believe that the stars are aligned to make it a reality right now with TechStars. We are committed to making our case to you, learning what we need to know, and answering your questions to make as convincing an argument as possible.
Please make space on the TechStars calendar next January for New Orleans. Thank you for your hospitality in Boston and your consideration. We will be in touch.
Who’s with me? If you are a startup or entrepreneur who would love to see a TechStars New Orleans, holla back in the comments!
Sincerely,
Chris Schultz
[PS: for those who wonder who I'm writing to here: David Cohen is the founder and CEO of TechStars, a mentorship-driven seed stage investment program for Internet startups.]
- categories: All, Entrepreneurship /
Jun 04, 2010 at 6:48 pm
As an entrepreneur in Louisiana, I totally agree with you that New Orleans is a fantastic candidate for a new TechStars location. I fully support this.
Jun 04, 2010 at 8:41 pm
One thing that every community needs is a leader. Chris has been working tirelessly for the past few years to make NOLA a tech hotspot, and I believe if you could graph community growth rates, New Orleans would manifest a hockey stick. New Orleans has a rich diversity of artists, musicians, and other creative types. At the intersection of those talents lies the potential for a new type of startup hub centered around artistic expression.
As a NOLA native and Boulder resident, nothing would make me happier than bringing TechStars back home. David, if you ever have any questions for an ex-pat I’d be glad to stop by the Bunker to help out any way I can.
Jun 04, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Love the initiative and couldnt agree more. I wholeheartedly believe that the time is right for a mentorship based-seed fund in New Orleans. Launchpad is a perfect partner. Great job laying out the argument. What can we do to help make it happen?
Jun 05, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I look forward to discussing the possibility more! As discussed, we’re very focused on quality vs quantity – and this is why we’ve expanded very slowly. I love the approach though – that’s a first!!
Feb 01, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Announcing Launch Pad Ignition | The Adventures of Chris Schultz says:
[...] has been a personal passion project. The conversation started a year ago, after I wrote my open letter to David Cohen (see, they really work). Andrew Hyde has been a huge supporter and Taylor Davidson has [...]
Feb 01, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Announcing Launch Pad Ignition says:
[...] has been a personal passion project. The conversation started a year ago, after I wrote my open letter to David Cohen (see, they really work). Andrew Hyde has been a huge supporter and Taylor Davidson has [...]