It’s likely that every single person working in innovation in
the greater Boston area has heard of Katie Rae. As Managing Director of TechStars and of Project 11 Ventures, and
as Co-Founder and Chairperson of Boston StartUp School, Katie unquestionably
has her pulse on innovation in Boston. She’s also incredibly thoughtful
and approachable, which is one of the reasons we asked her to be a MassTLC Innovation unConference co-chair. We sat down with Katie
to get her expert take on what makes Boston thrive and how entrepreneurs can
turn this year’s unConference into an unforgettable success.
the greater Boston area has heard of Katie Rae. As Managing Director of TechStars and of Project 11 Ventures, and
as Co-Founder and Chairperson of Boston StartUp School, Katie unquestionably
has her pulse on innovation in Boston. She’s also incredibly thoughtful
and approachable, which is one of the reasons we asked her to be a MassTLC Innovation unConference co-chair. We sat down with Katie
to get her expert take on what makes Boston thrive and how entrepreneurs can
turn this year’s unConference into an unforgettable success.
Katie, what makes Boston an innovation hub?
Boston is an extremely lucky place because of three main
elements: incredible universities with world-renowned research institutions, a
long history of groundbreaking startups and deep knowledge of how to fund and
support them. These three elements have created a massive pool of people who
understand how to build large high-growth businesses. We also have an
incredible mix of industries where we grow startups to big companies. From
financial services to robotics, from clean tech to biotech and big data, these
varying industries make Boston unique. We have an exciting mix of companies
and spaces of innovation here.
elements: incredible universities with world-renowned research institutions, a
long history of groundbreaking startups and deep knowledge of how to fund and
support them. These three elements have created a massive pool of people who
understand how to build large high-growth businesses. We also have an
incredible mix of industries where we grow startups to big companies. From
financial services to robotics, from clean tech to biotech and big data, these
varying industries make Boston unique. We have an exciting mix of companies
and spaces of innovation here.
How is innovation evolving in Boston and where is it heading
next?
next?
Boston is on a roll. The number of exciting startups coming from
all different pockets of innovation here is staggering. We also are seeing a
trend of lean startups expanding outside of just software. The lean startup
principles are being applied to different industries.
all different pockets of innovation here is staggering. We also are seeing a
trend of lean startups expanding outside of just software. The lean startup
principles are being applied to different industries.
Are there any elements that we lack that would make our
ecosystem thrive even more?
ecosystem thrive even more?
It’s not something we are missing, but rather something we need
to continue to foster in ourselves. Each one of us has some way that we can
give back, whether you are a young founder sharing what you learn or a seasoned
executive who begins to mentor and angel invest. I have a growing sense of
positivity as I see this gaining strength every year. That excitement helps
early stage start-ups grow even stronger by continually developing that spirit
that is incredibly important for any innovative community.
to continue to foster in ourselves. Each one of us has some way that we can
give back, whether you are a young founder sharing what you learn or a seasoned
executive who begins to mentor and angel invest. I have a growing sense of
positivity as I see this gaining strength every year. That excitement helps
early stage start-ups grow even stronger by continually developing that spirit
that is incredibly important for any innovative community.
What brings you back to the unConference each year?
It’s one of the only forums where so many fun people come
together from different communities, from the investment community to the
research and startup communities. You never know what’s going to happen that
day or who you’re going to meet or what someone’s going to talk about. That’s
what makes it so exciting.
together from different communities, from the investment community to the
research and startup communities. You never know what’s going to happen that
day or who you’re going to meet or what someone’s going to talk about. That’s
what makes it so exciting.
What do you enjoy most about mentoring upcoming entrepreneurs?
Oh there are so many things! I really love helping people
connect their ideas to what they should go accomplish and how they should best
execute – including helping them find the right people to make the problem they
are trying to solve a bit easier. There’s nothing better than watching a
company start to grow faster and build momentum.
connect their ideas to what they should go accomplish and how they should best
execute – including helping them find the right people to make the problem they
are trying to solve a bit easier. There’s nothing better than watching a
company start to grow faster and build momentum.
How can entrepreneurs make the most of this year’s unConference?
The key for entrepreneurs is to connect with as many different
people as possible. Ask people what they’re up to; you don’t always have to be
pitching them an idea. First you need to make a genuine connection with people
and then naturally amazing things will happen.
people as possible. Ask people what they’re up to; you don’t always have to be
pitching them an idea. First you need to make a genuine connection with people
and then naturally amazing things will happen.
In your roles at TechStars and Boston Start Up School you see a
tremendous amount of entrepreneurs and innovation. What stands out as
necessary elements for success?
tremendous amount of entrepreneurs and innovation. What stands out as
necessary elements for success?
The number one necessary element is that you actually care about
what you’re creating. This care and commitment will naturally surround you with
supportive people. The number two aspect is having a team that cares and wants
to build together for a long time.
what you’re creating. This care and commitment will naturally surround you with
supportive people. The number two aspect is having a team that cares and wants
to build together for a long time.
Thank you Katie for your great advice and expertise. Get there
early to sign up for sessions with Katie; they’ll be spoken for quickly. If you
are interested in proposing a break-out discussion topic at this year’s
unConference, submit your ideas here.
early to sign up for sessions with Katie; they’ll be spoken for quickly. If you
are interested in proposing a break-out discussion topic at this year’s
unConference, submit your ideas here.
