Now that we've all recovered after staying up too late Sunday night watching Billy Crystal simultaneously recognize and lampoon this year's big screen bests, I find myself wondering: Who would we ceremoniously lavish with praise in the entrepreneurial world? Who among the investors, entrepreneurs and advisors should be specially commended for their startup savvy and used as a benchmark for performers in years to come?
I think you'd start with the "best supporting" category and look at the law firms, investors, Board members, informal mentors, and other partners that provide the needed grease to help propel fledgling startups into the spotlight. Like the talented and long unrecognized Christopher Plummer, there are many prestigious firms and individuals who have built long careers helping individuals and companies improve their performance. As one of the first people engaged in the venture capital industry, David Morgenthaler has a body of support work worthy of an award. David's efforts to help accelerate entrepreneurs date back to the 1970s when he recognized the future of personal computing and placed his confidence in Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Although now retired from investing through his firm, Morgenthaler Ventures, he continues to actively contribute not only to the venture capital industry but also to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in emerging markets like his adopted hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Cathy Belk: The Oscars of Entrepreneurship
