People and places : an exploration of Boston start-up formation

Abstract

Boston, specifically Kendall Square, has a high concentration of technology startups. This concentration provides the opportunity to study the connection between the founding conditions and the outcome of the entrepreneurial effort in a relatively controlled environment. Through case studies including deep research and founder interviews we explore the role of people and places in the founding of four Cambridge technology start-ups. The findings indicate maturity of ideation, team size, experience - in startups in general and in the specific sector, understanding of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, passion for the mission and ability to communicate are key factors in the success of a startup. Connectors - people and places - are best engaged to assist in completing a founding team who have a defined focus and to provide investor leads to a founding team post-ideation, but founders with the ability to make first-degree connections may be more successful than those who use connectors.