Latest news with #entrepreneurial
Technical.ly
2 days ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
How local governments can back the entrepreneurs building their regions' futures
Entrepreneurship is increasingly viewed as the most dependable source of broad-based economic gains. Nearly all net new jobs come from new companies and a 1% rise in entrepreneurial activity correlates with a 2% decline in poverty. Post-pandemic growth — led by women, particularly women of color — shows investments in 'inclusive entrepreneurship' worked, but systemic barriers to capital, networks and opportunity still limit would-be founders. A policy 'field guide' recommends redirecting 5% of procurement to firms under five years old, eliminating early registration fees, reforming noncompetes, strengthening libraries as entrepreneurial hubs, designating a clear entrepreneurship leader and elevating existing ecosystem efforts rather than duplicating them. Entrepreneurship can sound like rich people's problems. In certain settings, talking about business starts and business growth all sounds like the cavorting of the well to do. A growing coalition says that's all wrong. 'Entrepreneurship is not just about starting companies,' said Victor Hwang. 'It's about enabling people to solve problems in their communities with innovation and drive.' Hwang refined his bookish charm and pro-entrepreneurship pitch while an executive at the Kansas City-based Kauffman Foundation, which is widely credited for advancing the research and the field of new-business support. This work now gets called ecosystem building, or place-based, entrepreneur-led economic development. Hwang's policy-focused Right to Start nonprofit has just kicked off a national campaign called America the Entrepreneurial, to put entrepreneurs at the center of next year's 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Hwang is also among my co-hosts of Builders Live, a monthly podcast on ecosystem building. Ahead of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, in our most recent episode, alongside investor Brian Brackeen, we checked in on the most surefire policies Right to Start recommends for state and local officials. Entrepreneurship is not a distraction from well-rounded and inclusive economic policy. It's increasingly recognized as the most dependable source of gains, including the following: Nearly all net new jobs come from new companies Every 1% increase in entrepreneurial activity in a county correlates with a 2% decline in poverty — and average household income increased by $500 41% of Americans say they'd launch a business if they could, but just 2% actually do One key input of economic mobility is access to information about the programs and resources (a role we at Technically play) Investments into what has been called 'inclusive entrepreneurship' in the 2000s and 2010s worked. Entrepreneurship has popped post-pandemic, led by women, especially women of color, but barriers remain. 'The reason I founded Right to Start was to change the narrative and the policies that limit entrepreneurship in this country,' Hwang said. A checklist for policymakers to support entrepreneurship Though more is to come, his Right to Start launched ' field guides ' for policymakers, at the local, state and federal levels. A few of their most common recommendations, mixed with a couple from own reporting: 5% to start: 'Dedicate a small percentage of current funding to new entrepreneurs and young businesses, and track the impact…Redirect 5% of government procurement dollars to businesses under 5 years old.' Identify an entrepreneurship leader: This could be an existing lead (like a commerce director), provided they truly prioritize entrepreneurship. Zero barriers to launch: ' Reduce or eliminate registration costs and fees for new businesses in their critical early years,' relying financially on more established firms. Separate new business from small, medium and large businesses: They need different things, and it is the 'new' that create the most positive economic outcomes. Easy access: 'Strengthen local libraries as hubs of knowledge and digital tools for entrepreneurs.' Noncompete reform: 'Unleash entrepreneurs who want to create new jobs by freeing them from unfair bans and noncompete restrictions.' Support existing efforts: Most states and regions have existing 'ecosystem building' efforts. Rather than recreate them, elevate and redirect residents there. This mirrors advice we've given mayors in the past. To support entrepreneurship: Remove barriers, invest in workforce, celebrate homegrown solutions and amplify the priority. (We've made more general tech policy recommendations too) Entrepreneurs start alone, but don't grow without help Many of these steps are intentionally modest. Hwang, though, has a far more ambitious plan: for entrepreneurship to be at the very center of all economic policy. Brackeen, managing partner of Lightship Capital, echoed that idea. 'The barriers that exist for entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, are systemic, and we need systemic change,' Brackeen said. 'It's not about handouts. It's about access — access to capital, access to networks and access to opportunity.' The best economic policy doesn't pick industries, it supports entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs don't pick places to start businesses, they pick places to live and then start businesses there. The ' Ecosystem Stack ' prioritizes both lifestyle issues (like housing) and amplifying these successes. This works. According to new analysis, regions with a dedicated news outlet covering startups earn 60% more media coverage and, over a decade, grow their ecosystems twice as fast as similar peers. The takeaway? Entrepreneurs may start alone, but their companies don't grow that way. Policy, platforms and narrative all shape what happens next. 'If we want more startups,' Hwang said, 'we need to fix the system so it doesn't favor big businesses at the expense of new ones.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alex Doll Joins National Venture Capital Association Board of Directors
Ten Eleven Ventures Co-founder Will Support NVCA's Mission to Advance the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Improve IPO Access for High-Growth Companies BURLINGAME, Calif., June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ten Eleven Ventures, the original cybersecurity-focused, global, and stage-agnostic investment firm, today announced that its co-founder and managing general partner, Alex Doll, has been appointed to the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) Board of Directors. Doll brings extensive experience as a venture investor and a deep strategic understanding of the cybersecurity landscape to the NVCA. At Ten Eleven Ventures, he has successfully led investments in over 60 cybersecurity startups and scale-ups, already guiding 17 to successful exits, including notable IPOs such as Ping Identity, Darktrace, and KnowBe4. As a member of the NVCA Board, Doll will leverage his experience to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help innovative startups more effectively navigate the transition from private to public markets. Doll's appointment also affirms the NVCA's growing recognition of cybersecurity's critical importance across venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystems. As the founder of the industry's first cybersecurity specialist venture capital firm, Doll brings a distinctive perspective on the complex ways national security and geopolitics impact start-ups and scale ups in the cybersecurity industry. As a board member, he looks forward to adding insights on national security and geopolitical dynamics from the point of view of the cybersecurity industry. "We're thrilled to welcome Alex Doll to the NVCA board," said NVCA President and CEO Bobby Franklin. "Through his leadership in our National Security Working Group, Alex has consistently brought sharp insight and a deep commitment to safeguarding American innovation. Adding his perspective to NVCA's Board of Directors will be invaluable as we work to better serve the entrepreneurs tackling today's toughest challenges." "The NVCA plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that fuel innovation, facilitating strategic private-public partnerships, and nurturing an engaged venture community," said Alex Doll. "In today's challenging economic climate, cybersecurity startups face increasing obstacles in accessing public markets. To sustain innovation and scalability in this critical sector, we must evolve our regulatory frameworks and ecosystem support to streamline and demystify the IPO process. Additionally, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to funding groundbreaking research, protecting intellectual property, and strengthening national cybersecurity resilience. I'm committed to working with the NVCA and policymakers to drive meaningful change on these important matters." The appointment also underscores Doll's deep-rooted commitment to the NVCA's mission, continuing a family legacy of leadership. Alex's father, Dixon Doll, served multiple terms on NVCA's board, including as Chairman during the critical passage of the U.S. JOBS Act in 2012. That landmark legislation marked a rare alignment between government and business, fostering significant advancements in innovation, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The NVCA remains dedicated to advocating for public policies, facilitating strategic collaboration, and providing resources to empower venture capital firms and startups. Doll's expertise and visionary leadership will be pivotal in advancing NVCA's ongoing efforts to strengthen the foundations of high-growth businesses across America. More details on the new board appointments can be found here. About Ten Eleven Ventures Ten Eleven Ventures is the original cybersecurity-focused, global and stage-agnostic investment firm. The firm finds, invests in and helps grow top cybersecurity companies addressing critical digital security needs, tapping its team, network and experience to help build successful businesses. Since its founding, Ten Eleven Ventures has raised over $US1 billion and made over 60 cybersecurity investments across stages worldwide, including KnowBe4, Darktrace, Axis Security, Twistlock, Verodin, Cylance and Ping Identity. For more information, please visit About NVCA The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers the next generation of American companies that will fuel the economy of tomorrow. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital and startup community, NVCA advocates for public policy that supports the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. Serving the venture community as the preeminent trade association, NVCA arms the venture community for success, serving as the leading resource for venture capital data, practical education, peer-led initiatives, and networking. For more information about NVCA, please visit View source version on Contacts Ten Eleven Ventures Press Contact: Monsy Carlomonsy@
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Alex Doll Joins National Venture Capital Association Board of Directors
BURLINGAME, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ten Eleven Ventures, the original cybersecurity-focused, global, and stage-agnostic investment firm, today announced that its co-founder and managing general partner, Alex Doll, has been appointed to the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) Board of Directors. 'We're thrilled to welcome Alex Doll to the NVCA board,' said NVCA President and CEO Bobby Franklin. Doll brings extensive experience as a venture investor and a deep strategic understanding of the cybersecurity landscape to the NVCA. At Ten Eleven Ventures, he has successfully led investments in over 60 cybersecurity startups and scale-ups, already guiding 17 to successful exits, including notable IPOs such as Ping Identity, Darktrace, and KnowBe4. As a member of the NVCA Board, Doll will leverage his experience to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and help innovative startups more effectively navigate the transition from private to public markets. Doll's appointment also affirms the NVCA's growing recognition of cybersecurity's critical importance across venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystems. As the founder of the industry's first cybersecurity specialist venture capital firm, Doll brings a distinctive perspective on the complex ways national security and geopolitics impact start-ups and scale ups in the cybersecurity industry. As a board member, he looks forward to adding insights on national security and geopolitical dynamics from the point of view of the cybersecurity industry. 'We're thrilled to welcome Alex Doll to the NVCA board,' said NVCA President and CEO Bobby Franklin. 'Through his leadership in our National Security Working Group, Alex has consistently brought sharp insight and a deep commitment to safeguarding American innovation. Adding his perspective to NVCA's Board of Directors will be invaluable as we work to better serve the entrepreneurs tackling today's toughest challenges.' 'The NVCA plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that fuel innovation, facilitating strategic private-public partnerships, and nurturing an engaged venture community,' said Alex Doll. 'In today's challenging economic climate, cybersecurity startups face increasing obstacles in accessing public markets. To sustain innovation and scalability in this critical sector, we must evolve our regulatory frameworks and ecosystem support to streamline and demystify the IPO process. Additionally, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to funding groundbreaking research, protecting intellectual property, and strengthening national cybersecurity resilience. I'm committed to working with the NVCA and policymakers to drive meaningful change on these important matters.' The appointment also underscores Doll's deep-rooted commitment to the NVCA's mission, continuing a family legacy of leadership. Alex's father, Dixon Doll, served multiple terms on NVCA's board, including as Chairman during the critical passage of the U.S. JOBS Act in 2012. That landmark legislation marked a rare alignment between government and business, fostering significant advancements in innovation, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The NVCA remains dedicated to advocating for public policies, facilitating strategic collaboration, and providing resources to empower venture capital firms and startups. Doll's expertise and visionary leadership will be pivotal in advancing NVCA's ongoing efforts to strengthen the foundations of high-growth businesses across America. More details on the new board appointments can be found here. About Ten Eleven Ventures Ten Eleven Ventures is the original cybersecurity-focused, global and stage-agnostic investment firm. The firm finds, invests in and helps grow top cybersecurity companies addressing critical digital security needs, tapping its team, network and experience to help build successful businesses. Since its founding, Ten Eleven Ventures has raised over $US1 billion and made over 60 cybersecurity investments across stages worldwide, including KnowBe4, Darktrace, Axis Security, Twistlock, Verodin, Cylance and Ping Identity. For more information, please visit About NVCA The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers the next generation of American companies that will fuel the economy of tomorrow. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital and startup community, NVCA advocates for public policy that supports the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. Serving the venture community as the preeminent trade association, NVCA arms the venture community for success, serving as the leading resource for venture capital data, practical education, peer-led initiatives, and networking. For more information about NVCA, please visit
Elle
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Tina Knowles Says Rumi Begged To Join Beyoncé On Stage: 'Every Day She Said, "I Want To Go Out There!"'
As mother to Beyoncé, Solange - and as she notes in her book honorary daughters Kelly Rowland and Angie Beyince - Tina Knowles is surely unrivalled as a world-famous matriarch. These days, with social networks and parasocial relationships at their peak, it's more common than not for the family (and even social circles) surrounding a star to have a fame of their own. But in the late 90s, when Destiny's Child first broke onto the scene, that just wasn't the case. Still, even at that time, Ms Tina was known to fans, and her importance felt. Guiding the band, styling them, Ms Tina was always intricately entwined with her daughter's success. But while many may think they know her story, her New York Times best-selling book, Matriarch, is here to prove them wrong. Tracing her life from childhood, through her life as a young mother and entrepreneurial businesswoman, Ms Tina has her own fascinating story before her daughters' fame even begins. And sure, once that journey into mega-stardom does begin, the insight in the book is fascinating - but what comes across is the importance of Knowles' position as a mother and how the female experience - and the women around her - has always been integral. As she visited London this week, ELLE UK had the chance to sit down with Ms Tina to discuss her book - and incredible life. Why did you decide to write Matriarch? I started recording my story just for my grandchildren and my great grandchildren, because I wanted to leave that history for them. I wanted it to come straight from my mouth. And so I had a lot of recordings, and when they approached me a couple years ago about doing the book, it didn't start off as a memoir, but as I got into the story of it, it turned into that. So I was able to go back and pull all of those recordings and and use what I had already written. That the book actually had another ending, and then I got the breast cancer diagnosis, so I stopped. I didn't turn it in, and I went back and included that. I kind of struggled with it, because I didn't know if I wanted to put that out into the world, but because I missed a mammogram, and I felt like the breast cancer was stage one, but it could have been stage zero, if I would have gone on time. And so that was really important to put that out into the world, so that people would take care of themselves. That has been the best part of doing this book, because I have had so many people say 'I went and got my breast exam', 'I took my mom to get her breast exam,' and that warms my heart. Was it important to you to make sure you wrote down your younger life and what America was like then? Absolutely, for all the kids that are told that you don't belong. My biggest message was that you belong anywhere you choose to be, and I had to fight for that when I was a kid. And a lot of kids have to fight for that because they're told or shown that they don't belong. And so for me, that was a big, big deal. What was the biggest misconception about your family that you wanted to clear up with the book? Well, I think that people, when they don't know you, they speculate, and they come up with a lot of stories. And, you know, I've heard a lot of things about, 'Oh, well, you don't have to worry about money'. I have lived it all, and it was really important for people to relate to the fact that I grew up poor, I grew up Black, I grew up in the south with a lot of racism, and I had a lot of challenges and obstacles in my life. But still, I'm here today because I've fought through all of those things, and you can come out of all these things in your life - you're not going to get stuck there. And it it's a lot to do with your determination, your willing to sacrifice for what you want. And I think that it was good for people to see a success story of somebody who came from such a meagre background. For you, is being a matriarch about strength? Yes, it means being a leader. My niece talks at the beginning of the audio book about how in every family, there's that number that you call when it's really bad stuff or something that you need to work through, or it's something very good. So I'm that number, and my mom was that number, even though, you know, she did [it] in a completely different way. I always thought she was passive, but behind the scenes, she was working her magic. And so you're that person that everybody calls, yeah, you're it, absolutely. You and your daughters have become feminist icons, why is the female experience so key to you? I think because I come from a long line of strong women. You know, my great-grandmothers, on both sides, were both enslaved, but they managed to keep their families together at a time when I don't know how they did it. Like you can imagine the things that they had to go through to keep their kids with them. And that's what I'm from. That's the stock I'm from - really strong women who do what they have to do to keep their families together and that their families are first priority. My family is everything to me and if I lost everything I have today and I had my family, I know I would be fine. I would survive. Your daughter Beyoncé will also be in London soon - can we expect to see you on stage? On stage? No, not on stage. That was one time, because she wanted to honour me because of the book. You speak so much about your love for your grandchildren - now they are also known by so many people, how do you protect them and keep their lives normal? You know, their mother keeps their lives normal. And they are just normal kids. They love the stage - they've grown up around it. And, you know, Rumi, for the last tour, just every day, said, 'I want to go out there. I want to'. She wanted to experience it too. And so Beyoncé is allowing her to do it this time. And I'm really happy about it, because she has fun out there. She gets to be a kid, and when she gets off stage, she's right back to being Rumi, the little kid, you know, the little seven-year-old, adorable. You were on Meghan Markle's podcast this week, what made you decide to go on there? Was it the business focus? Oh, well, I love Meghan, and what she's doing and what she's done with her life, and so it was a joy to go on that podcast. Yeah, she's wonderful. Yeah. I mean, that was her [decision to talk about business], she could pick any topic, and that's the topic she chose, which I really was happy about, because a lot of times people aren't interested in that part of the book. So that was nice. What's your advice for matriarchs trying to juggle it all? I just think you have to have the balance, and you know, that's not an easy task. You give equal time to your work and your family, and then you somehow squeeze in a massage here, there and take care of yourself. It's a really difficult thing doing that, and sometimes I've done a lot better than others. I'm often all in where I'm just running around trying to take care of everybody, but I do know when it's enough, and I'm going to say, 'Okay, well, I need a vacation', or I need to go and have some me time. And that's not an easy thing. In the book, your daughters urge you not to go on social media, but I love that you defend your family on those platforms - what made you take that decision? Someone actually put me on Instagram, and I did a photo, and then I think maybe the third post that I had was something that was a cause. And I was like, 'Wow, look at how many people saw this cause and that they're talking about it.' And so I realised that it was a really powerful platform. I'm always posting other people and uplifting them, and that's my favorite part about it. And then when I need to get the word out, when enough is enough with the gossip and the crazy and the rumors, I get to vent. I mean, that's therapy. Free therapy. Meghan, like your daughters, has been subject to so much online abuse. Do you think Black women especially are targeted? I don't think that it's just Black women, it's everybody who is in the public eye. I had someone [ask me something] in an interview and I said, 'Why would you ask me something terrible like that? Like that's not even in a book'. And the person replied by saying, 'You are a public figure, so I could ask you anything, and you should be okay with it.' And I just think that that is so insensitive and so inhumane. You don't get to treat people any kind of way because they happen to be a celebrity, but I think that goes across the board with every race. And for women it does seem to be a whole different standard… It's amazing to me, that it is 2025 and people are still making such a huge difference [between men and women]. And men get away with murder, and we get away with nothing. We're just criticised and torn apart. You and your daughters are known for your style - why is it so important to you? We grew up so poor, but we were always the sharpest people in the room. Yvette, my publicist, said 'Fashion saved your life'. And I thought about that, and it's true, it saved my life, because it has always been such a part of it. My mom was a seamstress, and we always had this beautiful clothing, and when you looked good, you felt good. She found something that she could do with the little bit of money she had, that made us feel powerful in some ways. So I think it's a lot of power in looking your best and and fashion. It's been a recurring theme in my life that has been so, so positive. So I love fashion, and I love other people feeling beautiful too. And now with Cécred, you and Beyoncé have continued that journey with haircare too. Hair is a very, very important part of you - as my mom would always say, that's your crowning glory. So that's kind of like your crown. And to take care of it, to make it beautiful, to make it healthy, is something that, again, is sort of like fashion. If your hair looks great, you just feel differently, you move differently in the world. And I love the science of hair, I always have. When I had a hair salon, I mixed all my own conditioners and hot oil treatments and those things, because it's all self care, and it makes you feel worthy. And when you go into a salon and you're there with other women, it's camaraderie too. There's power in that and the sisterhood that goes on. It doesn't matter whether it's a Black salon, a white salon, or whatever it is, it's a coming together of women, and it's a place where you can be vulnerable and get that support and networking. So I just love the whole salon experience. You revealed your breast cancer diagnosis in the book - how has it changed your outlook? When you're told that you have cancer, it doesn't matter what stage it is, it's just that word that everybody dreads, and it makes you really look at your life. I said earlier that I feel freer than ever. I feel like it's so not important to me what people think of me, and I just put less limitations on my life than I did before, because I had a bucket list. I went out and did those things. It becomes more important to live your life and to live it freely, without judgment, so I just care much less about what people think of me. Motherhood can be tough - what would you say to any mother who is struggling today? I would say, for me, the best gift that I've ever had is to be a mother and to be able to help shape a life. There's nothing more important than that, and it's such a gift. I've had the same issues that every mother has with trying to balance [things]. And sometimes when kids don't understand what you're giving up, what you're sacrificing, and you kind of feel like, 'God, nobody appreciates me' - I've had those feelings like every other mother. But what outweighs it is when my when my kids say, 'You've done a good job', and when I see them with their kids and that they are really great mothers. It's the best feeling in the world. Matriarch by Tina Knowles, is out now and available to order ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Meghan Markle hints at future fashion line as she expands her lifestyle brand
Meghan, who is married to Prince Harry, has already had a busy year after launching her lifestyle brand As Ever - but it appears she isn't content to stay put and has teased a brand new business venture Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is steaming ahead in her entrepreneurial journey, hinting at another potential commercial enterprise on the cards. The 43 year old wife of Prince Harry hit the ground running this year, introducing her lifestyle brand As Ever to a worldwide fanbase and quickly following up with a Netflix series 'With Love, Meghan' and the inauguration of her podcast 'Confessions of a Female Founder'. Pairing her business aspirations with a victorious reappearance on social media, Meghan has been creating a distinct place for herself within the lifestyle and wellbeing market. Yet, she seems not to be resting on her laurels, having suggested the idea of introducing a clothing collection in the not too distant future. During a recent interview with the Fast Company published on May 27, Meghan shared insights into her ambitions to grow her enterprise, moving beyond the instantly popular food items like honey, fruit preserves, and flower sprinkles she launched. "My heart is very deeply in my home," Meghan remarked to the publication. "Everything comes from being rooted in the love story of your home and garden, and then you can imagine different verticals coming out of that," reports the Express. Offering a glimpse into As Ever's potential future, Meghan was questioned about the possibility of launching a clothing line - and supporters will be thrilled to learn that it is indeed something she plans to explore. She shared with the publication: "The category of fashion is something I will explore at a later date, because I do think that's an interesting space for me." A venture into fashion would be well-timed for Meghan, especially considering her recent success with the debut of her ShopMy page earlier this year. This innovative platform enables the Duchess to share links to some of her favourite clothing items and accessories, allowing fans to experience a touch of Royal luxury and emulate her signature style. "A handpicked and curated collection of the things I love - I hope you enjoy them," she stated on the page, adding, "Please note, some products may contain commissionable links." Meghan is also no newcomer to design, having previously unveiled a capsule collection of women's workwear for the charity Smart Works in 2019, which supports women in finding employment.
