[author: Jared Brenner]
Some interesting links we found across the web this week:
How To Know If An Accelerator Program Will Give Your Company What It Really Needs
Accelerator programs are often an enticing option for early-stage companies, offering a combination of mentorship, networking and free office space. However, before you sign up or as you narrow potential programs, be sure you understand the accelerator’s motivations and not just your own. This guidance from Forbes is a good place to start.
Startups, Banks and Tech Giants Launch Enterprise Ethereum Alliance
Large financial institutions have had their eye on the blockchain over the last few years, and now they’re formalizing that interest with a new partnership to set standards for use of Ethereum, the bitcoin alternative. If you’re in the space, be sure to keep an eye on this new consortium as it develops.
Don’t Play Hurt
Great thoughts from Brad Feld this week on how to rebound psychologically if your company had a less-than-stellar 2016.
In-House or Outsourced? How Do You Decide?
As you grow your team, you’re going to have to determine which services are most affordably and efficiently performed by outside service providers instead of your own people. Learn how to tell the difference with this piece from Entrepreneur.
FCC Chairman Pledges to Undo Net Neutrality Rules
As expected, 2017 is not looking like a great year for the Obama Administration’s net neutrality rules, which some say protect the ability of smaller tech companies to disrupt the titans of their industry. Entrepreneur has the latest on the FCC’s intent to deregulate in this area.
Unicorn valuations remain elusive for politics-focused startups
Elsewhere in DC, startup founders are hard at work building data analysis tools for political campaigns and policy organizations. TechCrunch has a nice summary of VCs’ appetite for this kind of investment. And as 2016 data continues rolling in, check out these links (GeekWire, Bloomberg) for more general updates on the state of the US and European venture markets.
