(taken from willobrien.wordpress.com--an entrepreneur's blog--and this is perfect for representing the environment fusing with the startup world)
So, it's been awhile since I've posted here. I know, it's bad. But what's not bad is that I've been writing about clean tech and tech startups for
The Economist (who by day, employs me to work on new product development and community engagement online).
I'm in a unique position here. Most people on the business side don't work in editorial. And I am most definitely on the business side. But due to some external factors including my hobbies outside of the office and some experience working on business research for the EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit), I've been allowed to do both. Let me make this clear--I in no way allow what I do on the business side to influence who or what I write about editorially.
What is cool is that by covering start ups in the tech space, I've been able to facilitate some pretty exciting conversations and meetings for The Economist online, in partnership with my artistically minded boss.
Clearly, before this role, I spent most of my time trying to cover the energy and environment spaces. I'm still extremely keen on working in and around these areas, and keep up to date on what is working and not working, especially in regards to clean technologies and alternative energy. But more of my time is now taken up by covering start ups.
The evolving shape of my interests and editorial coverage has thus put me in a unique place to juxtapose the energy and tech startup spaces. What I've learned thus far is that energy could use an influx of startup technologists, venture and angel funders, and innovators from Silicon Valley and Alley (i.e. NYC) to help really elevate clean tech to a game changer!
What is it about the tech startup world that works? Why are so many companies launching, raising money, putting out interesting products, and some are even making lasting impacts?
And while there may be a
bubble (mind you not as big as the late 90s/early 2000s), energy should look at what the founders and funders of these companies are doing, with a keen eye and an open mind.
This is what I'll be exploring over the next few weeks here on Harmonies and Greenery. And to keep music in the mix, I'll also be using tech startups and what they are doing to disrupt the music industry as an example for energy to look to as well!
peace (and sorry for the break between posts--below my signature, you may find a link to some of my more recent
Economist pieces)
~eb
