Q & A with Chris Anderson, TechColumbus

Written by Innovate New Albany@InnovateNA13 years ago

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What It Takes to Spur Technology

Chris Anderson, director of venture development for TechColumbus, spearheads New Albany TechStart. A partner in Innovate New Albany, the Village’s new incubator for startups and small business, New Albany TechStart cultivates technology startups with business development consulting services and capital investment assistance.

How does TechStart New Albany support business startups?

We provide a number of resources to help companies grow, including business planning services to think through the risks, prioritize the tasks and take the steps they need to create a meaningful, scalable business that can attract investment capital. We also make introductions to individuals in related industries, potential customers and investors who can vet the idea and support its growth. A big part of our strategy is education and networking events to help people share their ideas and make connections.

What are some of the characteristics of a successful tech startup?

There are certain indicators of a potentially successful venture. For instance, we help them determine whether there are viable barriers to entry. We look for something unique about the product or service in terms of how they solve a problem that gives them an advantage in the market that cannot be easily replicated by competitors. We work with startups in IT, advanced materials, bioscience, medical devices, medical informatics and clean energy.

What are some of the assets New Albany offers technology firms?

I think the growth of the business community here as well as the experience base of the people who reside in New Albany is very strong in terms of cultivating relationships that add value and can accelerate growth. Connections with advisors and investors can be made easily. There is good access to capital and talent. And, there are similarities to markets where high growth companies are created like Silicon Valley for example, that have a high level of connectivity and interaction among business people. Connections happen organically in those environments that facilitate networking. You see that in New Albany at places like Starbucks.

Innovate New Albany, the city’s incubator for technology startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses, features 16,000 square feet of space within the New Albany Business Park’s Signature Office Building, 8000 Walton Parkway.