Startup ecosystems can be fragmented, competitive, and hidden to newcomers, which is detrimental for local startups and community growth. The Startup Ecosystem Canvas seeks to provide local entrepreneurs with a clear list of resources for every stage of their startup journey - from ideation to scaling - and outline a basic framework for communities to map their ecosystem.

With applications open for the Silicon Valley Founder Institute, we are excited to release the updated Silicon Valley Startup Ecosystem Canvas, which is currently in v3 below! It was developed Silicon Valley Founder Institute directors Ryan Micheletti, Mike Suprovici, and Scout Tweedie-Yates.

You can also comment on the open Google doc of this list at http://bit.ly/silicon_valley_canvas.

If you are looking to build a startup in Silicon Valley alongside the region's top entrepreneurs and investors, then apply to the Silicon Valley Founder Institute today, or join a free event.

The resources from the infographic have also been listed below, for reference.

Startup Stages

There is no one right way to build a technology company, but for the sake of simplicity we have outlined a basic, common, sequential framework.

Idea Stage

This is where new entrepreneurs get inspired, learn best practices, develop skills, validate ideas, and begin to build their team and product.

Inspire

Startup Media: Centralized local information, listings, and news. (i.e. startup blogs/ publications/ lists/ FB groups/ newsletters)

Inspirational Events: Open, inclusive, beginner startup events (i.e. Startup Weekend, idea fairs, and inspirational meetups)

Educate

Best Practices: Beginner knowledge-sharing events. (i.e. beginner events that serve to educate more than inspire, like Startup Founder 101, etc).

Training & Feedback: Skill & Idea development. (Ex. bootcamps and comprehensive training programs, like Founder Institute)

Validate

Team Formation: Resources for teaming up. (i.e. events or other resources that facilitate early-stage recruitment and cofounder matching)

Build First Product: Hackathons & resources to build. (i.e. hackathons and other builder-focused events and resources)

Launch Stage

In this stage, entrepreneurs establish and formalize the company, develop the product, get feedback from customers, and prepare for the next step.

Start

Establish: Law firms & banks for startups

Workspace: Co-working and flexible workspaces (note: “official” office space goes in 3.1.a. Infrastructure)

Develop

Formalize: Accounting, development and HR for early-stage startups.

Prepare for Seed: Incubators and advanced mentorship. (i.e. advanced knowledge sharing, later stage events and resources for startup TEAMS)

Launch

Seed Accelerators: Seed funding mentor programs (Techstars-style programs that provide funding)

Pitch & Demo: Show local startups for investment (i.e. demo days for companies seeking seed investment)

Growth Stage

Here, a startup proves their utility, receives recognition, and scales up. This usually requires funding, angels, VCs, and ways to connect them to startups.

Recognition

Investor Networking: Connect professional investors with founders. (i.e. events or groups that facilitate connections with professional investors)

Major Media: Mainstream local business press. (i.e. major local or regional publications that frequently champion local businesses)

Funding

Angels / Micro-VCs: Seed-stage investors

Venture Capitalists: Series A and beyond

Growth

Infrastructure: Office space, HR, local business insurance. (i.e. office space/ HR/ insurance providers for capital-rich companies to grow and scale)

Expansion: Growth accelerators/consultants. (i.e. programs and business consultants for capital-rich companies to grow and scale)

4. Success Stories

Successful homegrown companies that have raised significant institutional funding, employ a large workforce, or have achieved liquidity.

Too many to name.. :)

Supporters

To facilitate the steps, every ecosystem needs strong supporters.

1. Evangelists

Successful local founders who lead the ecosystem & frequently mentor newbies.

2. Government

Public organizations that facilitate local economic development

3. Talent

Major local business or tech universities and employers that attract and retain local talent.

Local Universities (universities with prominent technical or business programs)

Local Employers (Major technical employers, like Microsoft or Google or large local companies, with large local offices)

Learn more about the Startup Ecosystem Canvas at FI.co/canvas, and leave us your thoughts on the Silicon Valley Canvas on the open Google doc at http://bit.ly/silicon_valley_canvas.

If you are looking to build a startup in Silicon Valley and could use expert training and feedback, then apply to the Silicon Valley Founder Institute today, or join a free event.

Dec 4, 2018

The Most Comprehensive Guide to the Silicon Valley Startup Ecosystem Ever Created (Updated)

Startup Stages

Idea Stage

Launch Stage

Growth Stage

4. Success Stories

Supporters

1. Evangelists

2. Government

3. Talent

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Are you ready to join the world's premier startup launch program?

Startup Stages

Idea Stage

Launch Stage

Growth Stage

4. Success Stories

Supporters

1. Evangelists

2. Government

3. Talent

Related Insights

Global Food Startup Ecosystem Resource Guide: 324+ Accelerators, Incubators, and more

Singapore Startup Resource List: 535+ Accelerators, Incubators, Investors, and more

South Florida Startup Ecosystem List: 438 + Accelerators, Incubators, Investors, and more

Are you ready to join the world's premier startup launch program?

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