The Startup City You Probably Haven't Heard About

There are some cities that give you everything you need and others that make you work for it. This article profiles efforts to build a startup community in Tallahassee through the eyes of the city's growing network of entrepreneurs.

1 minute read

December 4, 2013, 10:00 AM PST

By lgraysonlindsey


According to Brad Feld, the Boulder-based startup guru, breathing life into the startup ecosystem takes vision and long-term commitment from local entrepreneurs, support from a variety of community institutions, and a culture of collaboration. Feld is quick to draw a distinction between what he calls the Leaders and the Feeders. In his bestseller Startup Communities, Feld writes, “the leaders of a startup community must be the entrepreneurs.” Loosely organized with a hierarchy that’s more horizontal than vertical, a community’s entrepreneurs must piece together an environment that inspires creation, encourages risk taking, and supports experiential learning.

Understanding the importance of the fabled entrepreneur, Lucas Lindsey set out to get to know three locals engaged in startup activity, to ask questions, and ultimately to try and figure out why it is that they do what they do, what it will take to make it happen in Tallahassee, and how that matters for other cities engaged in startup activity.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in This Big City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing