StartupAZ Newsletter: Issue 13
What’s the formula for growth?
Generosity + Performance + Osmosis = Growth
We’ve talked about the Generosity + Performance flywheel and how they feed one another in the Arizona startup ecosystem, but there’s also something to be said for osmosis. Rather, the idea that it is possible to realize tremendous gains simply by being in the presence of others who are achieving great things and striving toward big, audacious goals.
They say you’re the sum of the five people you spend the most time with, and there is a great deal of truth to this. But that requires finding the right people to surround yourself with and more importantly being open and, at times, vulnerable. And this is the beauty of the StartupAZ Collective, which we’ve watched naturally unfold over the years.
Each year, we welcome a new group of startup leaders to the Collective. Many come in not knowing what to expect. But in short order, a beautiful thing happens: they realize the tremendous knowledge and deep camaraderie that comes with being among a group of fellow startup leaders with a shared set of goals, growth challenges, and big triumphs. They have others to walk the somewhat lonely journey with, and learn along the way. And those who get the most out of the group are those who’ve allowed themselves to be vulnerable and open. Those who come in with an empty cup — ready to learn through osmosis, but also contribute their knowledge.
That was an unanticipated surprise for founder and CEO of Promineo Tech, Nick Suwyn when he joined the Collective last year. As a first-time founder, he realized he didn’t know what he didn’t know. And while he’s figured much of it out along the way, the learning simply through osmosis — being surrounded by other successful founders — has helped him leapfrog the learning curve. He shares part of his journey in this month’s “Collective Conversation.”
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We’re also excited to introduce the 2022/23 StartupAZ Collective cohorts. This year, because there were so many quality startups, we have two cohorts: Growth and Launch. See the list of the 18 incoming companies just below.
Sustainable Earth Small Business Awards
Created by Arizona State University, in partnership with Wells Fargo, the Sustainable Earth Small Business Awards will award $50k to 15 US-based small businesses making an impact in the areas of sustainability, equity, and climate.
It started with a passion for teaching coding to others. And while this was deeply rewarding and fulfilling for Nick Suwyn, he soon came to realize these coding boot camps could be improved. So, he went about building a better model. What started as small group boot camps taught from his living room has turned into an international business now known as Promineo Tech. In this interview, he shares how Promineo Tech came to be and how they’ve grown since finding the right product/market fit.
Watch the full interview (or check out the Q&A).
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