Our General Manager, Lesa Mitchell, recently moderated a panel at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis. She was joined by Brad Feld (Partner, Foundry Group), David Cohen (Founder & CEO, Techstars), Ian Hathaway (Managing Partner, Far Out VC), and Eric Mitisek (Founder, Denver Startup Week). These leading figures in the global startup ecosystem discussed how vibrant startup communities are built, the critical roles individuals and organizations play, and the impact these communities have on broader economic growth.

A key theme throughout the discussion was the concept of "give first"—the idea that the most successful startup communities are built on a culture of generosity, where experienced entrepreneurs and investors freely give their time, advice, and connections to help others. David Cohen emphasized this as a "secret weapon" for thriving ecosystems, while Erik Mitisek highlighted the importance of even small contributions, encouraging attendees to support at least one entrepreneur in a meaningful way.

Brad Feld, who authored the influential book "Startup Communities," explained the evolution of thinking around ecosystem building. He introduced the "Boulder Thesis," which outlined four foundational principles:

• Founders must lead.
• Communities need a long-term outlook.
• Inclusivity is essential.
• Regular, engaging activities are necessary.

Brad and Ian later discussed how their follow-up book, "The Startup Community Way," refined these ideas, distinguishing between "startup communities" (focused solely on helping founders succeed) and the broader "entrepreneurial ecosystem" (which includes universities, corporations, and government, each with multiple motivations).

The panel also addressed the role of government and policy. Initially, Brad advocated for a "do no harm" approach, but the conversation has since evolved to recognize that governments play a vital role in providing foundational support—such as stable regulation, intellectual property protection, and quality infrastructure—that private actors cannot supply alone. Ian also underscored the importance of governments acting as "platforms" that enable interaction and innovation, rather than simply delivering top-down solutions.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists stressed the need for collaboration, inclusivity, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. They encouraged ecosystem builders to focus on authentic engagement, leveraging local strengths, and continually adapting to the needs of founders and their communities. Lesa closed out the session by challenging the audience to make an impact when she said, “Each one of you has the power of purpose. Take it, jump into your community…it’s up to you, change the world.” 

Check out the full recording of the panel discussion below: