Drive-By Consulting rolls on…

Atlanta, GA
A last-minute change in plans routed me through Atlanta to visit Patrick Rutherford, a friend of mine from graduate school and a corporate finance rockstar. As usual, most of the evening was spent discussing macro-economics, geo-politics, housing markets and investment strategies.

New Orleans, LA
Thanks to the introductions from Lyell Petersen (93octane) I was able to meet Jessica Rohloff and Chris Schultz.

Jessica is a nonprofit fundraiser and community organizer who is active in the New Orleans technology community. She was also introduced me a number of her friends in the area, including Brian, Reid Stone and Jerry, and helped me understand a wide range of local issues.

Speaking of local issues, I spent a couple hours on Monday with Chris Schultz of Voodo Ventures discussing trends in early-stage ventures and venture capital in New Orleans. Chris has established himself as an active member of the New Orleans entrepreneurship community through his own startups and his work on events such as Startup School.

Throughout my travels and discussions with entrepreneurs and investors around the US the comparison to Silicon Valley always comes up. In almost every city I’ve visited, I’ve heard both entrepreneurs and venture capitalists proclaim the other side “just doesn’t get it”; neither really understands why their local community doesn’t create or invest in companies similar to the ones the Valley seemingly creates with ease. Every time, I ask a variation of “Why should this city be like the Valley?” Every city is shaped by its own particular history, strengths, weaknesses and local particulars that create different climates for startups. The biggest problem I see is this disconnect between entrepreneurs and investors that inhibits the ability of both sides to work together in making their local area as successful as possible. Instead of copying the Valley’s tactics, create your own strategy.

Therefore, Chris and I spent most of our time talking about New Orleans and its own particular history and potential. Everything in New Orleans today is shaped by Katrina; the devastation Katrina brought to the city has changed the course of its development. While that has brought some significant challenges (including a smaller talent pool created by a lower population and cutbacks at Tulane Universty in their computer science and engineering departments), it has also forced the state and local government to focus on creating an environment for new opportunities, including new angel funding and digital media tax credits and an new attitude towards breaking down some of New Orleans’ historical resistance to change.

New Orleans is also a great place to live. Giving up New Orleans’ unique heritage, culture and way of life to achieve the Valley’s success would be a waste; the opportunity is for New Orleans to leverage its social environment and business strengths to retain and attract talented entrepreneurs and investors.

What’s Next?

• Houston, TX, College Station, TX and Dallas, TX: Already have meetings set up with entrepreneurs, professional photographers, investors and entrepreneurial community organizers. Contact me if you’re interested in meeting in Houston on Tuesday (12/9) or Wednesday (12/10), or in Dallas Friday (12/12) through Monday-ish (12/15).
• New Mexico and Arizona: I’ve got a bit of a gap in the schedule coming up after Dallas. I know there are entrepreneurs in the Southwest; I’ll be coming through Phoenix and would love to learn about the local entrepreneurship and investment community in the southwest.
• Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA: Already looking farther west…

As I’ve mentioned before, if you’re on my route, drop me a line if you’re an entrepreneur or if you’ve got an idea for a product or company and you would like a bit of free consulting and advice, or if you want to hack out a financial model for your idea, or want to do an interview about your idea, or if you just want to say hello. I’m here for you.