Scooters, Startups, and Optimism: Denver Startup Week

Downtown Denver was enveloped with a spirit of optimism this week. It could be felt among street cafes, in shared work spaces, on the front lawn of the Chase building and everywhere between venues throughout the city. The atmosphere is contagiously exciting!  

Denver Startup Week is an event intended to celebrate and help develop entrepreneurs, it attracts 20,000 attendees. I spent several days navigating the streets of the mile-high city and the journey was as enjoyable as the destinations.

As I spent some time trying to unpack my experiences, the following thoughts emerged:

I’m optimistic about the future.

The 20 and 30-something business owners, and entrepreneurs in-training, are courageously tackling problems that are going to improve the lives of us all.

Colorado’s young entrepreneurs apply reasoning beyond their years. Nearly every person I met understood their markets, had identified unmet needs, and were intent on delivering products and services that would be valuable. While this seems obvious, it is not that common.  

The businesses I learned about deliver value beyond products and services. They consider the long-term health and sustainability of our environment; they care about giving back to their communities; and they love and care about their employees.   

My 58-year-old brain was stimulated, and my soul was enriched by the young women and men I met—thank you all for sharing your value!

Oh, did I mention I am optimistic about the future.   

At Mungadai, we love startups and the people who create them!