Couch Cast » LaunchUP: Jeremy Hanks talks about Entreprenurial Barn Raising in 2009

LaunchUP: Jeremy Hanks talks about Entreprenurial Barn Raising in 2009

Topics: Couchcast Show, Utah Events Calendar

Join us as we talk with Jeremy Hanks, co-founder & president of Doba, (a software company in Orem, Utah that provides an online virtual inventory for small businesses) about a new community venture called LaunchUP, a community-based entreprenurial support organization.

From the LaunchUp.org website:

Basically the idea behind LaunchUp.org is the 2009 version of a good old fashioned barn raising applied to technology entrepreneurship.

This is something I’ve been thinking of and stewing on for a long time…. Over the past several months, I’ve talked ideas with Chris Knudsen and others. Looking for a vehicle to be more effective in channeling my drive to give back to and help other entrepreneurs. I do a lot of things already to help, but it’s pretty unfocused; speak at this event here, help out with this program there, etc.

Here are some things I believe that have framed my thoughts:

time and experience is more valuable than money
serving and helping others is greatly needed right now
the world, and especially America, have real (and real big) problems
entrepreneurs are the world’s problem solvers
technology is the key to unlock solutions to real big problems
entrepreneurs need help, no matter how experienced or successful
everyone has skills or experience that could benefit the entrepreneurship community
the ‘ecosystem of entrepreneurship’ (entrepreneurs, investors, universities, advisors, service providers, organizations) that currently exists can be leveraged by some new community focused ideas

LaunchUp.org is going to help entrepreneurs in new ways. A community based advisory board if you will. A way to help get some companies launched, or help existing companies launch past problems to new levels. Make the world a better place by being innovative and disruptive, since, IMHO, that’s the essence of entrepreneurship and technology.

In the interview, Jeremy discusses the LaunchUP group, calls for community support, and confirms that they are planning a kickoff event on Thursday, February 19th at 6pm at the Doba Offices (google map) in Orem.