Jan 2 2009

Can Obama’s Reform Stimulate Investments and Entrepreneurship?

Greg Berry

Just posted over at the Business Catapult Blog:

It’s no secret that IPOs have been at a near-standstill for the past few years.  In addition to the growing financial crisis and general gloom, the unintended consequences of the demands for more financial regulation in the wake of Enron, WorldCom and other related advantage-taking in the 90s has been a horrific hurdle to companies that want to raise equity on the open markets.

As attention shifts in the next administration to fostering the development of more green technologies, a healthy IPO market will be even more critical to inspiring innovation. It should also be noted that the necessary funding and interest in technology based IPOs will have a positive, derivative impact on interest in math and science education in the US, an area in which our deficit is widely acknowledged. While “DEregulation” is typically favored by pro-business constituents, given the severity of the crisis we must pursue short term “REregulation” of this important part of our economy, similar to that seen recently by the banking industry

Lots of tasty links, quotes and data to fill in the gap.


Dec 9 2008

Cleantech Investing Explained

Greg Berry

Over at the Business Catapult Blog, we just published a piece highlighting the research-backed definition and 2009 predictions of the Cleantech sector by Lightspeed Ventures, one of the leading blue-chip-Silicon-Valley-VCs-with-a-new-cleantech-focus.  Check it.


Oct 30 2008

Peak Oil Is Confirmed

Greg Berry

If there were any doubt, a recent piece in the Financial Times leaked a report (free reg req’d) from the International Energy Agency which says that global oil production is already decreasing.

I wrote about this over at the Business Catapult blog.

Dylan said it best,

the first one now will later be last

the present now will late be past

the order is rapidly changing…


Oct 11 2008

WWBD? (what would Buffet do?)

Greg Berry

Blogged his interview with Charlie Rose over at Business Catapult blog.

Unique and interesting perspective.  Check it.


Sep 11 2008

Business Catapult Blog Launches

Greg Berry

As part of our work in building a unique community that focuses on intelligent matching of entrepreneurs and investors, we have launched the Business Catapult blog.

Focused on the education of angel investors, and to a lesser extent, the provocation of venture capitalists, we break the blog down into three channels:

  • 101: Investing Basics, including valuations, investment criteria and news and reports about investing trends.
  • 201: Advanced Strategies, including managing an investment portfolio, advanced risk assessment and related issues.
  • 301: Notes From The Cutting Edge, including investing in sustainability, clean-tech and emerging energy companies, venture philanthropy, disruptive technology and new investing memetics.

Thanks for taking a look, lots of smart stuff coming down the line over there.


Jun 6 2008

Networks of Innovation

Greg Berry

I feel really lucky. Since February, when I started Chapter 17 of what my good friend calls a ‘curious lifestyle’, I have attracted a unique group of people into the nuance orbit. This has been a rewarding and interesting path, one I have chronicled here with a modicum of success.

The most recent group on the radar is our newest client, Innovation Network for Communities (INC). Founded by partners John Cleveland and Pete Plastrik, INC has been designing and implmenting social systems for more than 20 years, in partnership with the leading industrial foundations of the midwest, including Ford, Carnegie, Kellogg, and many others, I’m sure. Their work has touched schools, urban transportation design, climate change, entrepreneurism and much more.

Their practice is rooted in the study of the emerging patters being unveiled in disciplines like complex systems theory, which begin to give us better models for social systems.

Continue reading


May 14 2008

Colorado Entreprenurial Scene Exploding

Greg Berry

What recession? The Colorado small business economy is vibrant and growing, with a more dynamic mix of industries and sectors than we have seen in decades.  From biotech to energy, web 2.0 to nano, and an overriding mindset towards sustainability, there is a counter-cyclical boom in small business growth happening here on the Front Range.

If you want to learn more, you should really come check it out.  Here are some of the many ways to connect into this thriving community:

  • New Tech Meetup.  Hundreds of geeks, entrepreneurs and cool new companies every month.
  • Clean Tech Meetup. Cool ideas and innovative solutions for energy, transportation and more.
  • Founders Meetup. Entrepreneurs coming together to help create great businesses.
  • Colorado Capital Conference.  Hosted by the Rockies Venture Club next week, you can meet some of the best up-and-comers across a variety of sectors.
  • TechStars. Cool summer program for aspiring web jockeys aspiring to become business people.
  • Business Catapult. Online matching service for entrepreneurs and investors. Note: I’m one of four owners here, which makes it even cooler
  • Angel Capital Summit. Annual fall investing fair, although their site has not been updated since last fall.  Look for more information in coming weeks.
  • And there’s more.  Much more.  Comment here if you’ve got questions, thoughts or other interest in connecting into Colorado’s great entrepreneurial scene.


May 5 2008

Business Catapult Launches

Greg Berry

We went live today.  It’s an exciting milestone.

Today we whisper.  Tomorrow we shout.