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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, and outline a basic framework for communities to map their ecosystem.

With applications for the Boston Founder Institute coming to a close, we are excited to release the Boston Startup Ecosystem Canvas, which is currently in v2 below! It was developed by the Boston Founder Institute and local leaders Ignacio Castro (MD, Boston Founder Institute & VP, Santander Bank), Ross Palley (General Manager, Venture Lane Boston), and Sapna Tyagi (VP of Product, Virtudent), Melina Gross (Manager, New England Venture Capital Association), and Joseph Botsch (Senior Research & Analytics Manager, MassChallenge).

More input is needed, so please leave your comments on this collaborative Google document, and it will be considered for the next update.

Are you looking to build a startup in Boston? Then apply to the Boston Founder Institute today


Tools for Boston startups

A text version is included below, for searchability:

Boston Startup Tools and Resources


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.

1. Idea Stage

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

A. Inspire

                    B. Educate

                                                                                                                                      C. Validate

                                                                                                                                                                          2. Launch Stage

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

                                                                                                                                                                          A. Start

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    B. Develop

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              C. Launch

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. 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.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A. Recognition

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      B. Funding

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  C. Growth

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Boston Startup Success Stories

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



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Supporters


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To facilitate the steps, every ecosystem needs strong supporters.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Boston Tech Evangelists

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Boston Government Startup Resources

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Public organizations that facilitate local economic development

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Talent

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


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Learn more about the Startup Ecosystem Canvas here, and leave us your thoughts on the Boston Canvas on this collaborative Google document, or on Twitter using the hashtag #ecosystemcanvas.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you looking to build a startup in Boston? Then apply to the Boston Founder Institute today!

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