Kicking Off Boulder Startup Week 2024
This morning, I kicked off Boulder Startup Week 2024 alongside Andrew Hyde and David Cohen. We welcomed over 300 folks (of the 1,600+ for the week) who are excited to have a week of connection, learning, and building.
It’s an honor to lead the charge of bringing the community together in a year as dynamic as 2024 for the Boulder startup ecosystem. I took a moment to reflect on the namesake of building great companies everywhere, the Boulder Thesis:
Entrepreneurs must lead the startup community
Boulder Startup Week is not put on by any larger organization, city, or state programming. It’s simply a group of individuals, all 100% volunteer, who understand the importance of building and maintaining startup communities. My call to everyone this week: lean in and lead wherever you see an opportunity. Give kindness when things don’t run perfectly. And if you can lend a hand for a few hours, reach out.
The leaders must have a long-term commitment
Long-term commitment can be defined by much more than time in place. It’s the horizon of your thinking. So while I do hope this week showcases how this town is an incredible place to build both your company and your personal life, even if you’re just passing through, we’re glad to have you. Share with others what about the future of the Front Range is motivating you to stay and help build it better for us all.
The startup community must be inclusive of anyone who wants to participate
BSW programming is 100% free and open to all. The rooms have no caps, meaning many will be standing room only, so squeeze over and make a little room for your neighbor. We strived to give a platform for as many unique and diverse viewpoints as possible, even adding venues late in planning to include more voices. Go to an event outside your comfort zone or on a topic you might even disagree with. Find views that challenge your own rather than reinforce prior notions.
The startup community must have continual activities that engage the entire entrepreneurial stack
This was by far the loudest signal from the community last year and again this year. Don’t just be here this week; be here all year. Find communities to plug into and commit to being a part of it next month and the month after. And if you don’t find the community you’re looking for, build it yourself. I guarantee there are others looking for it too.
Huge thanks to all our BSW sponsors, volunteers, speakers, and supporters. Especially Anna Pillot, Bekah Zorgdrager, and Melissa Wall, who make BSW a reality. I couldn’t think of a better kickoff partner than Drive Capital, who have been building greatness in our backyard for decades and doubling down on the Front Range today.
