Silicon Flatirons Helps Form Entrepreneurial Network

By the Boulder County Business Report

DENVER – The Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network, a three-year, $4 million initiative to help Colorado jumpstart the development of high-growth companies with the greatest potential to create new jobs in the region, was launched Wednesday.

The Blackstone Charitable Foundation donated the $4 million. The foundation along with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Gov. John Hickenlooper and the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado-Boulder’s law school, have worked over the past year to create the network.

The grant will fund the formation of a network of entrepreneurial support in Colorado, similar to networks that exist in Silicon Valley, New York’s Silicon Alley, and the Boston Corridor.

“The foundation’s support will strengthen regional connections between our state’s entrepreneurs and startups, ultimately leading to more innovation and more jobs,” Bennet said. “Through its partnership with the University of Colorado, the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network will ensure that startup companies with high-growth potential have access to the networks, mentors and guidance they need to grow and succeed.”

The announcement was made at an event at the Denver Art Museum Wednesday morning.

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