I recently attended a webinar hosted by Brad Feld and David Cohen on Building Thriving Startup Communities. For those unfamiliar, Brad Feld is a renowned venture capitalist and co-founder of Techstars, and he has written extensively about startup ecosystems, including Startup Communities and The Startup Community Way.
During the webinar, Brad referenced his well-known “Boulder Thesis,” which outlines the key elements required to build a sustainable and thriving startup ecosystem. One of the highlights of the discussion was when Brad gave a shoutout to Omaha, NE, recalling his visit years ago for Big Omaha, a conference that brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to energize the local startup scene.
At the time of Brad’s visit, he noted that Omaha’s startup ecosystem was in its earlier stages. The city had passionate founders and builders, but there was a notable gap in active angel investment and venture capital participation. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has evolved significantly.
Brad’s acknowledgment serves as a powerful reminder that building a startup community takes time, commitment, and the collaboration of many stakeholders - not just in Omaha, but Nebraska as a whole. Listen more to his experience here.
The Boulder Thesis and Omaha’s Growth
Brad’s Boulder Thesis consists of four key principles:
Entrepreneurs Must Lead the Ecosystem – The most successful startup communities are driven by founders, not institutions. This means that while universities, investors, corporations, and government organizations can provide valuable support, they cannot dictate the direction of the ecosystem.
Commitment for the Long Term – Building an ecosystem is a 20+ year journey, not a short-term initiative. This principle underscores the need for patience and persistence. In Nebraska, we have witnessed the steady growth of resources available to startups, from early-stage funding and grant opportunities to coworking spaces, incubators, and accelerator programs. These developments didn’t happen overnight but are the result of years of foundational work by committed entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders. This long-term commitment is essential for creating an environment where startups can thrive across multiple generations.
A Philosophy of Inclusivity – A strong community embraces a wide range of participants, from startups and investors to corporate partners, universities, and government players. Inclusivity means welcoming not just seasoned entrepreneurs but also new founders, students, and those transitioning from traditional industries.
Engaging the Whole Entrepreneurial Stack – Successful communities include investors, mentors, universities, government, and corporate partners who support founders without controlling the ecosystem. Nebraska has made great strides in this regard, with corporations increasingly offering pilots and partnerships, universities providing entrepreneurial education, and investors stepping up to provide much-needed capital. However, maintaining a delicate balance is key—these players must engage in a way that enables, rather than dictates, the direction of the startup ecosystem.
Ecosystem Building Takes Time
The Boulder Thesis emphasizes that true ecosystem development takes decades, not years. While the ecosystem has matured significantly since Brad’s Big Omaha visit, Nebraska is still in the early stages of a long-term transformation. Founders, investors, and community leaders must continue to collaborate, iterate, and invest in building a resilient and inclusive startup economy.
One of the biggest challenges in ecosystem building is the tendency to expect rapid results. But sustainable startup communities don’t emerge from a single successful company or a short-term funding surge—they are built through continuous learning, iteration, and reinvestment. Continuing to nurture early-stage ventures, fostering a culture of innovation, and developing an environment where risk-taking is encouraged and failure is seen as a stepping stone to success.
Another key aspect of long-term growth is the willingness to adapt. Startup ecosystems are dynamic, and the needs of founders today may be different from those five or ten years from now. Staying responsive to these shifts—whether it’s through new funding mechanisms, better mentorship structures, or stronger talent pipelines—is critical to continued development.
Brad Feld’s mention of Omaha, and Nebraska as a whole, to a global audience during the webinar is a great reminder that what’s happening here is being noticed. It’s a reminder that we are on the right track—but also that the work is far from over. The best startup communities are never “finished”—they keep evolving, growing, and adapting.
For those committed to Nebraska’s startup future, this is a moment to reflect on this progress and double down on the long game. Ecosystem building is a marathon, not a sprint, and Nebraska is well on its way to creating a thriving and sustainable entrepreneurial hub.
If you’re passionate about supporting Nebraska’s startup ecosystem and want to get involved, there are plenty of ways to contribute. Whether you're an investor looking for promising early-stage companies, a founder seeking mentorship, or a corporate leader interested in partnering with startups, both the Nebraska Startup Academy and MOVE Venture Capital offer opportunities to engage. From educational programs and community events to investment opportunities and founder support, there’s a place for everyone to help shape Omaha’s entrepreneurial future. Reach out to learn more about how you can play a role in building the next generation of startups in our city!
Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Charlie Cuddy [charlie@nestartupacademy.org] or Alyssa Cave [alyssa@nestartupacademy.org] for more information.