Park Points - September 23, 2024

Welcome back to another edition of Park Points, a quick recap of news, information, and events relevant to KU Innovation Park’s mission and vision.

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Launch Your Idea

Do you have a startup idea, or are you ready to join a team to make it a reality? Douglas County CORE is hosting Launchpad, a startup weekend and hackathon, at KU Innovation Park from October 4 to 6.

• The weekend-long event is for current and aspiring entrepreneurs, designers, developers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the startup process.
• Thirteen teams have registered with spots for two more. Project ideas range from housing and ride-sharing improvements to sports tech and audio/visual techniques.
• There’s a $15,000 prize pool up for grabs. Let organizers know you’re interested by registering here.

Parking Plans

If you come to the Park daily, you may have noticed some work in the parking lot. The construction of solar carports is set to start on Monday, September 23. The lower level of the parking lot will remain available, but it may fill up. The Park has secured overflow parking in the Park & Ride lot down the hill from our facilities. Check out the map below. We appreciate your patience as we add some covered parking and solar power to the Park. Overflow spaces are located in the Park and Ride lot below the Park facilities. It’s okay to park in the lower half of the lot!

Founder vs. Manager Mode

Online discussions around “founder mode” hit a frenzy earlier this month after Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham shared thoughts on his blog. He said running a startup in “founder mode” will serve entrepreneurs better than running one in “manager mode.”

• Founder mode is a management style in which the chief executive is hands-on in all aspects of a business and focuses on risk and resourcefulness.
• Manager mode features a more structured and operational approach, leaning into efficiency, team management and delegation.
• Graham’s blog spurred countless articles, both of praise and criticism. And a bunch of memes.

According to an analysis of PitchBook data, founder mode works better when it comes to value creation. “In each of the past five years, VC-backed companies led by a founder grew in value significantly faster than companies led by non-founders,” the article states. But it also notes that founder mode isn’t a magic solution, either.

Upcoming Events at the Park

• Wednesday’s Lunch and Learn with Paul Allen had a few spots open Monday morning. If you’d like to be added to a waitlist if a spot opens up, just let us know.
• On Wednesday, September 25, enjoy?That Gelato & Sorbetto Guy?between 2-3 p.m.
• 1 Million Cups Lawrence?is at the Park every Wednesday at 9 a.m. They are always looking for entrepreneurs to present, and?you can apply to do that here.?

What we’re reading

In honor of the upcoming AI-themed Lunch & Learn, we’re reading a lot about it.

• PitchBook: The AI gold rush is hiding a wider cash crunch for startups
• Life Science Leader: Beware AI hallucinations
• United Nations: ‘Irrefutable’ need for global regulation of AI
• New York Times: A.I. pioneers call for protections against ‘catastrophic risks’ (gift link)