About

The Startup Forum seeks to foster the development of vibrant regional startup communities. TSF encourages entrepreneurial formation and growth and promotes early stage regional investments.  We serve three primary constituencies:  entrepreneurs, investors (both institutional and angel) and government (and related not-for-profit) organizations.

The Startup Forum pursues its goal of supporting the growth a startup culture via the following activities and initiatives:

Founder Education. We provide regular opportunities for entrepreneurs to learn more about key processes in the formation and operations process.  Panels, seminars and lectures from individuals with relevant experience are offered.  Educational programming from TSF is designed to be an adjunct to other resources – as such, these programs are free or very low cost to attendees.

Networking. The Startup Forum offers opportunities for entrepreneurs to network with one another and to connect with regional and national sources of investment capital.

Investor Education. More than 11,000,000 adult Americans have invested in someone else’s business.  Angel investment is a critical function to the development and maintenance of a startup community.  However, angel investing – using personal funds to provide capital to a private business owned and operated by others – involves certain unique challenges.  TSF offers opportunities for interested investors to learn about the process of angel investing and receive an education on risks, pitfalls and best practices in these types of investment opportunities.

Information. We use the web and technology to connect members of the startup community and provide them with access to information and data that might be otherwise unavailable, including a calendar of relevant events, a regional startup job board and even a showcase of elevator pitches.

Regional Promotion. The Startup Forum also seeks to promote key regions as sources of talent and venues for entrepreneurial formation and investment.  As such, TSF coordinates regional presence at significant national events and engages in activities that showcase the region’s assets wherever possible.