The role of the press in building a thriving venture capital ecosystem

When people talk about the factors that lead to a thriving venture capital ecosystem, they normally mention proximity to a top institution of higher learning, flexible immigration policies, access to capital, and a talented labor pool.

But what about the role of the press?

I would argue that the press plays an equally important role in the development and growth of any venture capital ecosystem.

Those of you who were around during the Dot Com era will surely remember the seminal contributions made by magazines such as The Industry Standard and Red Herring.

Though the format in which information is delivered has changed--from magazines to blogs--the essential role of the press, in disseminating that information, has remained the same.

While there are numerous excellent sources to choose from in the United States, including: PEHub, VentureBeat, AlwaysOn, GigaOM, Read Write Web, Mashable, TechCrunch, and others, there has historically been a lack of information in Brazil.

That is why I was so happy when I first learned of the existence of Startupi.

Startupi, whose name derives from the Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation of the word, "start-up", is a site dedicated to covering the nascent Brazilian start-up scene.

Startupi is important because it provides Brazilian entrepreneurs, start-ups, and venture capitalists with a source of news, ideas, know-how, and inspiration.

Since I believe strongly in the role of the press in creating a thriving venture capital ecosystem, I recently contributed a presentation to Startupi, Understanding Venture Capital, which attempts to orient entrepreneurs on the logic underpinning the practice of venture capital.

As a member of the start-up/venture capital ecosystem in Brazil, I see it as my duty to help them build a vibrant community and hope that my contribution will stimulate others to begin contributing material to support their efforts.

Aside from Startupi, two other sites that feature information for start-ups in Portuguese are Julio Vasconcelos' blog for Globo, Acelerando a Inovacao, and Read Write Web Brasil, which just launched a Portuguese language site a few weeks ago.

With the rapid growth and professionalization of the Brazilian start-up scene, I wouldn't be surprised if these blogs were to join the ranks of the Mashable and TechCrunch's of the world in the not too distant future! :)

Comments

[Millor Machado]

Hello,
I really would like to add one more blog to the list, http://www.saiadolugar.com.br
Saia do Lugar has daily tips and articles for startup entrepreneurs.

Great article by the way!

Best regards,
Millor

[simonolson]

Oi Millor!

Obrigado pela dica!

Muito legal o site de voces!

E parabens pela video de, "Other People's Money"! :)

Aquele filme e uma de minhas favoritas!

Um abraco,

Simon :)

[Camilo Telles]

I would add the Daniel Heise Blog - Apreendendo Empreendendo. http://www.aprendendoempreendendo.com/

[simonolson]

Oi Camilo!

Obrigado pela indicacao, o site aparece otimo!

Um abraco,

Simon :)

[Diego Sana]

I strongly agree with you Simon, both startupi and rrwbr are playing an important hole to help startups atract some eyeballs.

I would add that we also need more founder/VC blogs sharing their experiences and disseminating the startup culture. I do enjoy reading your blog and wish you could write more often. Maybe you could become the Fred Wilson of brazilian scene :)

[twitter.com/mnicklas]

Simon,

Thanks for the kind words about Startupi! I agree with Diego Sana that it is great to have a VC blog like yours covering the Brazilian scene. I would add another blog to the list you started (and which has been continued in the comments): ResultsON, http://www.resultson.com.br/

They are a combination FastCompany/Business 2.0 magazine and blog run by the very competent Bob Wolheim.

Cheers,

Michael

[simonolson]

Oi Michael and Diego!

Thanks for the comments and suggestions!

Together we will help Brazilian start-ups reach their rightful place in the global venture capital ecosystem!

Um abraco,

Simon :)

[Account Deleted]

Hey Simon, how are you! Great post, I'll follow your blog from now on.

ps: I need to schedule a visit do BH to meet some people I only know via e-mail/phone, including yourself! :)

[simonolson]

Re: [Venture Capital Thoughts and Reflections] Gian Carlo Cecilio Martinelli submitted a comment to 'The role of the press in building a thriving venture capital ecosystem'.

Oi Gian Carlo!

Great to hear from you!

Yes, definitely let me know if you are going to be in BH and we can get together.

Thanks!

Um abraco,

Simon Obs. Parabens pela grande successo de o Desafio FGV! :)