HBR IdeaCast

How Entrepreneurs Succeed Outside Silicon Valley

Apr 7, 2020
Alex Lazarow, a venture capitalist at Cathay Innovation and author of "Out-Innovate," explores entrepreneurial success beyond Silicon Valley. He highlights innovative ecosystems emerging globally, from Nairobi to Dubai, challenging conventional success models. Lazarow contrasts growth-centric strategies of Silicon Valley with the adaptable approaches of frontier entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of customer impact, resilience, and the value of diverse talent pools, showcasing examples like M-Pesa that represent the future of global entrepreneurship.
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INSIGHT

Silicon Valley Model's Limitations

  • Silicon Valley's startup model, prioritizing rapid growth, doesn't work everywhere.
  • Other regions lack the same capital, talent pool, and stable macroeconomic conditions.
INSIGHT

Balanced Growth vs. Growth at All Costs

  • The "growth at all costs" philosophy isn't sustainable for frontier startups.
  • "Camel" startups prioritize balanced growth and resilience over rapid scaling.
ANECDOTE

Grubhub's Balanced Growth

  • Grubhub, from Chicago, exemplifies balanced growth.
  • They strategically raised funds for specific purposes, maintaining sustainability throughout.
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