Ignite VC: The Evolution of Hawaii's Tech Industry with Chenoa Farnsworth of Blue Startups | Ep71

Ignite: Conversations on Startups, Venture Capital, Tech, Future, and Society

In this episode of the Ignite Podcast, host Brian Bell welcomes Chenoa Farnsworth, the managing partner of Blue Startups Hawaii. The conversation kicks off with a warm exchange about their mutual connections to Hawaii, setting a friendly tone for the discussion. Chenoa, a seasoned player in the Hawaiian tech scene, delves into her extensive experience, particularly highlighting the transformative period when Hawaii offered significant tax incentives to boost its tech industry. These incentives, she notes, spurred a wave of tech startups, including one where Brian's wife worked. Chenoa discusses the double-edged sword of such incentives, emphasizing how they catalyzed startup formation but also led to financial complacency due to easy money. This leads to a broader conversation about the evolution of Hawaii's tech ecosystem, with Chenoa shedding light on the post-incentive challenges and her efforts to steer the community towards sustainable growth. The influx of tech talent during the COVID-19 pandemic, she observes, brought both opportunities and socio-economic tensions, underscoring her role in channeling this new energy into beneficial outcomes for Hawaii. The dialogue shifts to Blue Startups, the first tech-based accelerator in Hawaii, which Chenoa helped to establish. She reflects on the 'second wave' of tech development in Hawaii, driven by smaller, more organic initiatives like accelerators rather than hefty grants. Chenoa is candid about the ups and downs of running an accelerator, the strategic shifts required, and her vision of fostering a robust tech ecosystem by leveraging Hawaii's unique position as a bridge between East and West markets. The podcast episode wraps up with Chenoa sharing insights from her venture capital experience and discussing the broader impacts of her work in shaping Hawaii's tech landscape.

Chapters:

Introduction and Background (00:01 - 05:00)

The Impact of Tax Incentives (05:01 - 10:00)

Evolution of Hawaii's Tech Ecosystem (10:01 - 15:00)

Blue Startups and the Role of Accelerators (15:01 - 20:00)

Adapting to Post-Pandemic Changes (20:01 - 25:00)

Sustainable Growth and Community Engagement (25:01 - 30:00)

Future of Tech in Hawaii (30:01 - 35:00)

Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs (35:01 - 40:00)

Challenges and Rewards of Venture Capital (40:01 - 45:00)

Q&A with Listeners (45:01 - 53:33)