Starting up an incubator focussed on food and agriculture
I am working on an idea to start an incubator that is focussed only on food and agriculture. I'm seeing some ag startups starting off, but I can't help but think they could benefit from having easy access to people with experience in the sector (network in the sector and knowledge on agricultural technology). I think that would really help overcome commonplace problems, that would be hurdles to take without access the right sort of sector experience. In other words, a factor that could accelerate customer development.
On the other hand, there is of course the danger of myopia if you just focus on a single sector. You might loose out on a lot of synergy and innovation opportunities.
I would therefore like to have a brainstorm on the rationale of dedicating an incubator to single sector, discuss strengths and weaknesses and think of possible workarounds for the weaknesses :-)
Thanks
@bdoorn
Bart Doorneweert
shared this idea
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Bart Doorneweert
commented
@Guillermo proposed for Dublin, yes. Will be working on a structure for the discussion. Any thoughts? Que tal encontramos por skype para preparanos juntos?
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Guillermo Marqueta-Siibert
commented
This is a very good topic to talk about. In Barcelona we are having many niche incubators, but I don't know one related to lean movement.
I guess you are proposing it for Dublin though.I'll stay tuned anyway
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Anonymous
commented
I work with an ag startup and this sounds amazing, definitely the help that we need. @greyhorseapps if you need more info.
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Bart Doorneweert
commented
That's a great idea, Salim! I could provide a a quick intro on general types of challenges to the ag sector. That would maybe help people to come to grips with the subject. Also, I could bring along a second time startup entrepreneur to the Rotterdam event. I co-founded Zameen Organic in India with him (http://www.new-ventures.org/company/zameen-organic)
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AdminSalim Virani (Admin, Leancamp) commented
It would be interesting to drill-down to challenges specific to agriculture companies and startups, maybe doing a post-up on the wall. Also, if anyone has experiences to share with sector-based business support, that would add a lot to the discussion.