Instead of my weekly post about entrepreneurial activity around the globe, I wanted to write a year in review as 2017 brought not only exciting changes for The Vollman Group, but changes around the world as well.
Here are a few of the highlights from 2017:
We were interviewed by ClassPass to discuss tips and techniques when managing remotely and discussed what to consider before expanding overseas with American Express OPEN.
Station F, the world's largest startup hub, opened in Paris in June and the French launch a French Tech Visa to recruit international talent to France.
In June we participated on a panel at the Global Expansion Summit in London and contributed a series of blog posts to their website.
The Trump Administration announced that they've delayed, and plan to eliminate, foreign founder visas. Lots was written about this, but I particularly liked Steve Case's post about the impact this will have on the US.
EY launched their new initiative, EY Fast Growth Platform, that will provide businesses with tailored startup, scaleup and global support.
I participated in the E3 LA Conference in September to discuss lessons learned from expanding a business into a foreign market.
New York and Toronto strengthened innovative ties by announcing their partnership, MaRS@GCT, which will allow Grand Central Tech and MaRS Discovery District to support companies moving and scaling between the two cities.
In the UK, The Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an additional £21 million in funding over the next four years. These funds will go towards building a stronger national network, doubling the Tech Nation Visa Scheme, and expanding the Digital Business Academy, among other items.
Honda Innovations announced that it will be expanding its global open innovation program to Detroit, Japan, China and Europe.
Neil Murray, founder of The Nordic Web, launched The Nordic Web Ventures which will invest in 10-15 Nordic startups over the next year.
The FCC repealed net neutrality regulations which prohibit broadband providers from blocking websites or charging for faster delivery of certain content.
The Center for American Entrepreneurship shared that 216 companies on the Fortune 500 were founded by immigrants or their children.
MassChallenge launched in Austin.
Amsterdam's B. New York opened in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and will provide soft landing services to European entrepreneurs.
In December we taught an international expansion workshop to select Dutch startups at B. New York.
Looking forward to 2018!