philipletts

I read a great article yesterday (which I then lost!) on how Paris has started a movement designed to help startups stay French, become industry leaders and not sell out too early.

After all the European startup way is: prove the concept, build out and sell fast. Typically to German or US companies. While that makes some folks (mainly the VC’s) money it does not help a country develop new industries - which let’s face it is much needed right now.

So, I applaud the French approach. Europe needs to think more like China, India and Russia when it comes to developing strategies that nurture, support and sustain startups so they become tomorrows national treasures not a just a division of Google.

Governments will have to work with angels and VC’s to develop new ecosystems, advisors and approaches that nurture and then develop strong, long term businesses and new sustainable industries. Fostering companies that have the courage to go public and stay the course.

A handful of really cool people are working on a virtual/experiential movement for the creative industries worldwide - with Innovate as its starting point. Watch this space.