This book draws on almost five decades of entrepreneurial experience and innovation and offers a broad perspective on ethical tech startups. It approaches the subject on two fronts by considering both the business of ethical technology as well as the challenges of tech startups with an imperative to behave ethically. The book provides readers with the tools to ethically frame and construct their startup ventures whether or not their core business is rooted in a technology meant to serve a social good. Incorporating ethical business practices both in knowledge and action, this book leads readers through the process of shaping an incipient startup idea all the way through the long-term operating stages. Using real-world case studies, the book explores key factors in successfully planning, framing, launching, leading, managing, and financing startups. This book is essential reading for researchers, academics, and students as well as industry professionals who have an idea or technology they want to get out into the world. Whether readers are seasoned in the field, employees of existing startups looking for better approaches, or new idealistic innovators who want to learn where to start, this guidebook explains and explores the road to launching the next great ethical tech startup.
Author(s): Ron Baecker
Series: Synthesis Lectures on Professionalism and Career Advancement for Scientists and Engineers
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 190
City: Cham
Acknowledgements
Contents
Case Study Ventures
About the Author
1 Value
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Ethical Missions
Opportunities and Problems
Solutions
Markets and Market Segments
Niche Markets and Focus
Saying “NO”
Market Sizing and Market Windows
Value Propositions
Product-Market Fit
D. Adobe Inc.
E. SideFX
F. Caseware International
2 Competitive Advantage
Sources of Innovative Opportunity
Reliability and Safety
Proprietary Technology and Intellectual Property
Trade Secrets, Copyright, Patents, Trademarks
Distinctive Competence
First Mover Advantage, Scale, and Barriers to Entry
G. New York Times Reinvented
H. Shaw Industries Reinvented
I. Desire2Learn (D2L)
3 Validation
Competitive Analysis
Differentiation and Positioning
User Experience Research and Tech Usability
Stakeholders and Personas
Use Cases
Market and Customer Research
Prototypes and Usability Research
Quality Assurance and Dogfooding
Customer Success
J. Wikipedia
K. LinkedIn
L. Antibe Therapeutics
4 Identity
Strengths, Values, Goals, Founding Teams, Ethical Choices
Mission and Vision Statements
Names, Mantras, Logos, and Brands
Elevator Pitches and Pitch Decks
M. Twitter
N. QLess
O. Ecovative Design
5 Business Models
Business Models and the Business Model Canvas
Go-to-Market Plans
Products and the Minimal Viable Product
Revenue Models and Pricing
The Places Known as Web Sites
Promotion and Internet Marketing
Virality
Treating Customers Ethically
Strategic Partnerships
P. Chess.com
Q. Airbnb
R. Beyond Meat
6 Finances
Financial Statements and Key Performance Indicators
Honest Financial Reporting
Financial Forecasting Models
Sources of Funds for Tech Startups
Debt and Equity Financing Methods and Stages
Values, Ethics, and Your Funding Partners
Growth Strategies
Exit Strategies
S. Canva
T. MasterClass
U. Winterlight Labs
7 Team
Leadership
Culture
Pivoting
Management Teams
Execution and Scaling
Hiring, Diversity, and Supervision
Fairness and Generosity with Compensation
Boards of Directors
University Partnerships and Incubators
Ethical Responsibilities
V. Blue Rock Therapeutics
W. Braze Mobility
X. Nuula
8 Ethics
Ethical Corporate Behavior
Ethical Opportunities and Challenges
Case Studies of Ethical Challenges
Y. Drisit
Z. Wordle
9 Principles for Success
Elevator Pitch, Competitive Analysis, Pitch Deck for This Book
Script to Accompany the Pitch Deck for This Book
The Financial Forecasting Model Rubric
Further Readings
Bibliography
Index
