talkin’shop
The executive directors of the FireSp
on ENTREPRENEURSHIP, VENTURE C
What mistake do you see entrepreneurs make often?
In your experience, how are entrepreneurs
Kevin: Some entrepreneurs only network with investors when they
that are successful in securing venture capital
need money, but it should be an evergreen process. Investors know
different from others?
companies and are good sounding boards … instead of Always Be
K: They network and are coachable. They meet
Selling – Always Be Raising.
milestones and follow through. That’s important.
Donna: They stop talking to their customers. There should be a focus on
D: I think success comes with having a
potential customers, validating the idea with a number of customers
great team. Investors look at the product
and then continue talking to them. It saves time and money.
and ROI, but they are betting on the team.
Entrepreneurs need to build their team carefully
There are probably dozens … what is one key to business
success?
and be conscious of their interactions with
investors – be honest and trustworthy.
K: Agreeing with Donna, listening to customers.
D: Make sure to surround yourself with a great team. Co-founders are
great. It makes it easier to get things done. No one can be an expert in
everything. Mentors and advisors help.
How does the Corridor region compete with similar tech hubs in
supporting entrepreneurs?
D: I see this region as entrepreneur driven. There’s a grassroots effort
Most helpful local resources/programs/books/
people for entrepreneurs?
D: There are great books out there. I read a lot,
so I could go on and on regarding books. But,
in Orlando, there’s the National Entrepreneur
Center, WeVenture, Starter Studio and so many
more.
here to grow resources and opportunities without a lot of investment
K: There are a bunch of resources across the
that I haven’t seen in other places. They’re moving the needle with
state. One resource that entrepreneurs can
great universities, great talent and community support.
control is forming an advisory board, even
K: From a statewide perspective, resources available to entrepreneurs
are exceptional for varying stages of the cycle. One challenge is
making sure they know where to find them.
How could Florida better serve entrepreneurs?
K: We are doing the right things. We are still in the early stages of having
a mature ecosystem, but have a good community of supporters. As this
continues to evolve, we will continue to attract investors to be based
here – making this a more fertile place for entrepreneurship.
D: The lack of funding is the biggest problem, especially seed funding.
It’s not just the amount of money, but the number of companies,
programs, accelerators with funding and public/private initiatives.
There’s a chain reaction when there isn’t enough seed funding.
an informal one. Diversity is invaluable when
building a business. Consider lawyers, investors,
competitors, people that have been there and
done that. And they can always point you to
other resources.
How have your mentors helped you get
where you are today?
K: My mentors provided an example. They
illuminated a pathway and were brutally
honest. Mentors should be able to be honest
with you.
D: Finding and engaging mentors is really
important. I wish I had taken better advantage
What is an advantage of starting and growing a business in the
of mentors in my career. I think it would have
Corridor vs. other regions? D: The talent and community support as I’ve
saved me from making some mistakes along
mentioned before. It’s different than other places. In Orlando, the co-
the way. There are awesome and experienced
working space, Canvs, was created by entrepreneurs that wanted to
people that would be happy to mentor you
move the needle. Starter Studio and the Orlando Tech Association are
and support your journey. Don’t be afraid to
the same way, filled with passionate people.
ask for help.
K: Talent is an asset in Florida. As well as great weather, infrastructure,
cost of living and a business-friendly environment.
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