Commentary: Why We Need to Build Support Systems for Founders Everywhere

Much of today’s transformative technology started as ambitious ideas within small startup teams—think of companies like Google, Moderna, or OpenAI. Over the past thirty years, many breakthroughs originated from startups willing to challenge conventions, attempt the improbable, and explore questions traditional institutions often shy away from. These entrepreneurial ventures are inspired not because they have all the answers, but because they are actively seeking them, testing boundaries and pioneering novel solutions [para. 1][para. 2].

The startup landscape, however, is undergoing significant change. Ten years ago, launching a big idea typically required a large team and substantial funding. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and faster research and development tools has made possible for small teams of just a few engineers to accomplish in months what once took years. While large established companies have access to these same technologies, their innovation efforts are often hampered by organizational complexity, regulatory requirements, and shareholder concerns, making their processes slower and more cautious compared to nimble startups [para. 3][para. 4].

As technological tools become more accessible, the global geography of innovation is shifting. While Silicon Valley continues to dominate in terms of venture capital—attracting 57% of U.S. venture funding last year—it is no longer the sole nucleus of groundbreaking innovation. For instance, Indian companies such as Agnikul Cosmos, GalaxEye, and Digantara are advancing space-related technologies, while France’s Quobly is focusing on quantum computing, and China’s Deep Principle is leveraging AI and quantum chemistry for chemical material development. This diversification shows that innovative ideas are emerging worldwide, not just from traditional hubs [para. 5][para. 6].

Despite this geographical spread of innovation, supporting resources—capital, infrastructure, policy access, and media exposure—remain concentrated in a few locations. This creates a fundamental tension and risk: promising ideas might fail to reach important collaborators or institutions necessary for growth. Founders often spend disproportionate effort gaining access to vital support networks, and in highly collaborative fields, isolation can halt progress before it starts [para. 7][para. 8][para. 9].

A robust innovation ecosystem, therefore, is vital. Such ecosystems provide not just funding, but also a sense of community—offering mentorship, support, and perspective from those who have experienced similar challenges. The journey of a founder can be both thrilling and isolating, with emotional and personal strains hitting hardest precisely during periods of high risk and uncertainty [para. 10][para. 11][para. 12].

Crucially, healthy ecosystems and global communities help distribute attention and resources more equitably. They counteract the gravitational pull of attention and capital toward traditional tech centers, ensuring that talent and ideas from locations such as Lagos or Dublin receive necessary support and aren’t dismissed simply because of their origin. Global hubs like Station F in Paris, public–private initiatives from the European Space Agency and UnternehmerTUM in Germany, or the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers programme serve vital roles in connecting innovators and nurturing their growth [para. 13][para. 14][para. 15].

Ecosystems thrive when they engage a broad range of contributors. Founders give back through mentorship and investment, policymakers create favorable conditions for innovation, and journalists spotlight emerging ideas. The true challenge lies in collectively expanding opportunities and reducing the chances that promising initiatives languish in obscurity due to lack of recognition or support [para. 16][para. 17][para. 18][para. 19].

In an era where challenges are mounting and the pace of change is accelerating, supporting the full spectrum of the innovation system is essential—valuing not only ingenious ideas but also the networks and communities that enable them to flourish [para. 20].